Partnerships Communicate - Co-ordinate - Co-operate
'Partnership working isn't always easy: there are tensions and barriers along the way. But when everyone works together it's like flying in formation.' Melvin Hartley Partnerships can be formed between a number of individuals, agencies or organisations with a shared interest. There is usually an overarching purpose for partners to work together and a range of specific objectives. Partnerships are often formed to address specific issues and may be short or long term. Whatever the purpose, successful partnership working requires time and commitment to build a high level of trust between the partners. Sustained care and attention is also essential to maintain and nurture a thriving, productive partnership whether its objectives are strategic or operational in nature. Key principles for a successful partnership · openness, trust and honesty between partners · agreed shared goals and values · regular communication between partners. Partnerships can work in different ways and there is no one-size-fits-all model. However, there are a number of elements which actively facilitate successful partnership working : · the aim of the partnership is agreed and understood by all the partners · the partnership has clear, effective leadership · the role of each partner is identified and clear to others in the partnership · there is shared ownership of the partnership and partners feel there is 'something in it for them' · there are dedicated time and resources for the administration and operation of the partnership · there is recognition of different organisational cultures within the partnership · a supportive atmosphere exists within the partnership so that suggestions, ideas and conflicts can safely be addressed Local examples of partnerships Wealden Local Strategic Partnership Local Strategic Partnerships are key to tackling deep seated, multi-faceted problems, requiring a range of responses from different bodies. Local partners are expected to take many of the major decisions about priorities for their local area. Wealden Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) is a non-statutory, multi-agency body, which matches Wealden District Council boundaries, and brings together the different parts of the public, private, community and voluntary sectors. wealdencommunitystrategy
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