ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses all aspects of performance auditing of public sector property contracts. It talks about performance auditing, as distinct from financial auditing. While performance auditing can also naturally look at the financial aspects of any property contract, the majority of this type of audit work is concerned with how functions are being carried out according to contractual requirements. The differences between the two the increased longevity and the complexity of monitoring/financial arrangements in PFI contracts has no fundamental impact on carrying out any kind of performance audit. Audits are a public sector right, and a matter of good management sense. Audits are often used to assure contract managers that their perceptions are demonstrably true. The book follows an audit process from commencement to conclusion, and contains discussion of factors that contribute to the success of any audit.
