Ipsos MORI report on performance of operational PFI projects

03 March 2009

Ipsos MORI has produced research for Partnerships UK and HM Treasury investigating the performance of operational Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts.

The research revealed many positive findings on perceived project performance and some marked improvements since 2005. For example, 73% of managers rated the overall performance of PFI projects in the last 12 months as good or very good, and there has been a significant rise in the proportion of managers saying the relationship between the public and private sector teams is good or very good (83% in 2008, compared to 72% in 2005). However, the research also highlighted that there are some areas in which greater clarity and consistency would be beneficial, such as the ease of use of the payment mechanism. Click here for a copy of the report.

The research was conducted through an online quantitative survey of contract managers of PFI projects across England. In total 151 contract managers responded to the survey (a 36% response rate).

The objectives of the research were to examine:

- How well managers perceive operational projects to be performing;

- The extent to which perceived performance varies according to factors such as specific management arrangements;

- Views on external support and guidance; and

- Perceptions of value-testing and related issues.

Partnerships UK also conducted a similar survey in 2005, and, where possible, this research also aimed to examine changes since 2005.

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