01 June 2007
Public sector managers could be able to compare their performances in delivering efficiency programmes with those of large private contractors.
The National Audit Office this week confirmed that contractors could participate in a new scheme enabling managers to compare the effectiveness of five corporate functions across similarly sized public sector bodies.
The scheme has a common set of 'value for money' measurements for finance, procurement, human resources, estates management and IT.
Most of the organisations likely to take part in the voluntary scheme are public bodies, but a spokesman for the NAO told Public Finance: 'We certainly haven't ruled out the inclusion of private sector organisations.'
A statement by the Public Audit Forum, which represents all five of the watchdogs backing the scheme, states: 'One third-party provider already has plans to launch a benchmarking service using the indicators.'
Opponents of privatisation argue that contractors should be brought into the public sector's audit and inspection regime.
PFjun2007
