A partnership is an arrangement between two or more groups, organizations or individuals to work together to achieve common aims and goals. For the partnership to be effective in achieving its aims and goals partners should;
Have an agreed and shared vision and aims for their working together at a strategic and operational level, and will have ensured that partners understand their roles. The sharing of aims and an agreed strategic purpose will continue to allow for diversity in the aims of individual partners.
Developed a culture of collaboration, in which it can attempt developments that individuals alone could not manage and do so in safety. This will mean that together, risks will be managed and learning supported.
A communication strategy is in place, which enables partners to understand the programmes, and the learning routes offered jointly and it will ensure that the right decisions are made. It will embrace a common working language across sectors to aid understanding, mechanisms for effective dissemination of information and ensuring that procedures and practices are understood; and an agreed consultation process.
Build and sustain trust between partners that are founded on goodwill, respect and mutual support and backed by agreed and robust procedures and practices.
Collaborative working is based on equality so that no partner feels excluded and each have a voice without any major disparities of power; partners’ roles may differ but their contributions are valued. Clear roles, ground rules and accountability, strong and inclusive chairing of partnership groups and secure links to enable strong relationships to develop between partners, along with effective decision-making, all contribute to effectiveness. Systems are in place, probably through a group with delegated powers, to enable effective and timely decision making
Have an agreed accountability structure and governance arrangements. These may be in memoranda of agreement or similar