Performance Auditing of Public Sector Property Contracts

With a background in European Union/Council of Europe public sector policy consulting, Lori Keating has been advising the UK public sector on property related issues since 1997.

Lori Keating joined a London firm of surveyors in 1997 advising on works and Facilities Management specifications for the Defence Estates, and the Department of Transport/Department of the Environment. Lori became extensively involved in DoT/DoE consultancy, through a framework commission held with the DoT at the time, and worked with the in-house team in advising the Departments in the re-aligning of in-house and contractor roles and responsibilities throughout a period of protracted management change.

During this time, Lori Keating developed an audit and contractual analysis specialism, and has carried out numerous audits for major government departments and local authorities from then until now. Lori's audit work has encompassed all FM issues, procurement analysis, management structures and forward works programmes, either through auditing directly herself, or by overseeing a team to ensure the quality of their work. Lori has advised both central and local government on potential contract disputes - both in terms of FM or new-build/refurbishment projects - with remits to negotiate solutions without recourse to formal dispute.

Lori's clients have included: the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now the Department for Communities and Local Government), the Department for Transport, the Department for Culture Media and Sport, London Borough of Camden, Brighton & Hove City Council, the Cabinet Office, the Driving Standards Agency and the Defence Estates.