Elements and Performance Criteria
- Explore partnering opportunities
- Rigorous assessment is undertaken to establish the potential for private sector involvement in the delivery of public sector services or infrastructure.
- Need, affordability and priority for private sector partnering are determined to ensure the public interest is fully protected.
- The service/infrastructure requirement to be provided through a partnering arrangement is identified, benefits to the community are confirmed and potential partners are identified.
- Assess feasibility
- A full feasibility study is conducted that includes environmental analysis, social impact and cost-benefit analysis to confirm the merits of partnering options for financing, delivery and value for money.
- A full assessment of risk is conducted, including the risks and costs the government would be prepared to retain.
- A detailed assessment of costs and potential revenue streams is undertaken and a comparison is undertaken with the costs associated with public sector provision.
- Community stakeholders are consulted to provide input in the feasibility and planning stages of any partnering arrangement.
- Establish partnering arrangements
- Detailed requirements are determined for the partnering arrangement in accordance with government policy and priorities.
- Procurement options are investigated, including a full public tender process, in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.
- Contracts are arranged that specify partnering duration, outputs, benefits and performance incentives, if any, in accordance with government policy and procedures.
- Risk is allocated to whichever party is best able to manage it and an accountability structure and approval process is developed.
- Government approvals are obtained and contractual arrangements are entered into in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- Foster productive partnering relationships
- Reasons/benefits for the partnering arrangement, roles, limitations and expectations are affirmed throughout the life of the relationship.
- Ongoing communication is used to confirm vision, agreed goals, outcomes, measures of performance, agreed accountabilities and the limits of the arrangement for both parties.
- Ethical standards and public sector accountabilities are maintained and, when necessary, explained to partners in a manner suited to their requirements.
- Strategies for solving problems and dealing with conflict are agreed and used in accordance with organisational policy and procedures to build trust/mutual respect for the benefit of both parties.