The first wave of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts is approaching expiry, and facilities management (FM) teams are facing one of the most complex phases of the PFI lifecycle: handback.
At Boden Group, we specialise in placing highly skilled FM professionals, including PFI specialists, into organisations preparing for PFI expiry. If your team isn’t ready, mistakes at handback can be costly.
What is PFI Expiry and PFI Handback?
PFI expiry occurs when ownership and responsibility of a public asset – such as a hospital, school or government building – transfers from the PFI company back to the public authority.
The PFI handback process ensures the asset is returned in a fully operational, compliant condition. Missteps during handback can lead to legal disputes, construction issues or financial penalties.
Why There is a Talent Shortage in PFI Handback
Several factors contribute to the skills gap in PFI expiry and handback:
- Complexity of PFI Contracts
PFI agreements are long, detailed and legally complex. Decades of amendments and operational changes make interpreting them at expiry a specialist task.
- Lack of In-House Knowledge
The public sector teams that originally signed these contracts have often retired or moved on. According to a National Audit Office (NAO) report, 25% of authorities lack the in-house skills to manage PFI handback.
- High-Stakes Risks
The handback phase is high-risk. Errors can result in costly disputes over construction defects, fire safety or operational compliance. Proper preparation is essential to protect public assets and budgets.
The Urgency: Why PFI Expiry Needs Action Now
The scale of the challenge is significant:
- 665 PFI projects across the UK
- £50 billion of capital investment
- £136 billion in remaining payments before expiry
- Over one-third of authorities expect disputes at contract end
While the peak of expiries is expected in 2036, many contracts end sooner. Delaying planning can expose your organisation to unnecessary risk.
We offer pre-vetted PFI experts, ready to support your team immediately and have placed professionals with SPVs, NHS trusts, FM providers, schools and academies. Typical roles we recruit include:
- PFI Handback Manager
- PFI Expiry Manager
- PFI Commercial Manager
- PFI Technical Manager
- PFI Consultant
- PFI Director
- Head of PFI Commercial
- PFI Contract Manager
- Head of PFI
- Lifecycle Consultant / Manager
These specialists bring practical experience in expiry, handback negotiations and risk mitigation.
Boden Group’s Network of PFI Specialists
How Boden Group Can Help
With our PFI specialists, your organisation can:
- Avoid costly disputes and delays
- Ensure smooth, compliant handback processes
- Protect assets and budgets
- Fill critical knowledge gaps in-house
Book a Meeting with Boden Group
Book a meeting with Boden Group today to discuss how our expert PFI specialists can support your upcoming projects.
FAQs About PFI Expiry and Handback
What does PFI expiry mean?
PFI expiry is when a PFI contract ends, and responsibility for a public asset transfers back to the public body.
What is PFI handback?
PFI handback is the process of returning the asset in operational and compliant condition at contract end.
Why do public bodies need PFI specialists?
PFI contracts are complex, and many organisations lack in-house experience to manage handback successfully. Specialists mitigate risk and ensure smooth transitions.
What are the risks if handback is mismanaged?
Risks include legal disputes, construction defects, fire safety issues and financial penalties.