Collaborations and partnership working is all around us! Yet as many success stories are often matched with horror stories. Here are some simple tips that can help you get it right:
1. Put your beneficiaries at the heart of any collaboration
Working in collaboration is not easy and it should only be embarked upon if it will lead to a better service for beneficiaries.
2. Agree a vision and shared goal
Organisations need to be clear about why they are coming together and should be able to communicate the vision and shared goal of the partnership. It is important to be clear about what is the social issue the collaboration is seeking to tackle and what will be the added value of working in partnership to do so.
3. Take time to build relationships
Remember that partnership working is all about the people. It is essential to take time to build relationships, invest in them and ensure there is a cultural fit to deliver the proposed partnership.
The policy arena is increasingly calling for organisations to collaborate, but it is so important to remember that organisations themselves do not collaborate, people collaborate! Therefore, the ultimate success or failure of a partnership rests with the people around the table
4. Agree good guiding principles of collaboration
The guiding principles should be agreed by members of the partnership. Good guiding principles can include openness and transparency, sharing best practice, commitment to high standards and continuous quality improvement, operating sound business practices and a commitment to flexibility.
5. Agree clear roles and responsibilities
Ensure that all members are clear about their roles and responsibilities and develop a suitable mechanism to monitor and review delivery of the collaboration in line with what is agreed.
6. Underpin the good governance principles and a written agreement
Good governance is essential to any partnership. This forms the cornerstone of how the partnership will grow. It is essential that the governance arrangements are clearly defined and should be supported by a written agreement.
7. Leadership is required
Embarking on partnership working or remaining committed when the going gets tough can be very difficult. Even when partnership working can improve the services for beneficiaries, it is not uncommon for the process to cause unease with some board members, staff and key stakeholders. Strong leadership is required to support people and bring them through the unease associated with change.
8. Plan how you will communicate the story of the partnership
Telling the story of your partnership externally is crucial because it builds trust with the partnership, attracts support, and demonstrates the impact of your collaborative efforts, which can inspire further community engagement and funding.
By following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of partnership working and create collaborations that truly benefit all involved. Remember, the key to successful partnerships lies in clear communication, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to the vision and goals of the collaboration.
