Partnership Working www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Why partner? Better outcomes Increased competition for funding Tight deadlines for contracts and grants Demand to expand or develop new services Need to make resources go further www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Partnership spectrum Independent Integrate Coordinate Collaboration Cooperate www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Partnerships – things to consider Choosing partners Due diligence Risk assessment Clarity on structure and management Governance Time, resources and commitment www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Due diligence Background and governance Management and people IT, systems and management Financial information Assets and liabilities Other legal issues Non-disclosure agreement www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Preparing for partnership work 1 Building partnership approaches into organisational strategy Clear vision and mission Staff and Trustees’ hearts and minds Financial transparency www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Preparing for partnership work 2 Who can you partner with Know how far you will compromise Define your Unique Selling Point! Be open to ideas and discussions www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Benefits for providers Commissioners need to be able to reduce number of providers/contracts Providers need to be able to offer wider coverage and range of services Provide an alternative offer to larger/national organisations Brings larger contracts to front-line deliverers www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Benefits for commissioners One contract has replaced many Clearer (and simpler) monitoring and lines of accountability Better data and ‘strategic intelligence’ Some of the ‘difficult’ things are no longer their problem www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

What are the challenges Ensuring (legal) relationships and liabilities are clear Integrating user-involvement with governance structures Getting used to working together www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Clarity & Parity = success Shared Values - Parity: Think each partner is good at what they do. Mix of small & large: size doesn’t dictate contribution Imbalances of power can be managed by good MoU and TALKING Relationships – mutual respect and professional behaviour – leaving egos at the door – hard work! All of this needs constant vigilance and openness www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Clarity & Parity = success Shared Values - Clarity: It is critical that partners are clear on what they want to gain from the partnership and what they want to contribute.  Honesty about individual organisational goals … talk about money, and business goals! Write a good contract so you don’t have to look at it: MOU Leaders: Get all decision-makers on board www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

Things to watch out for Partnerships cost money – they need management at all levels Impacts your core costs – it may save you in project costs, but how will you afford the management time, given the difficulty funding core? Getting hung up on legal structure and governance Competition and conflict - inevitable Uncertainty and instability will impact Not discussing concerns early Not including everyone – even by mistake! www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

We can help… www.communitysouthwark.org Main office number: 020 7358 7020 development@communitysouthwark.org www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark

What can partnership working do for my organisation or self? Table discussions: What can partnership working do for my organisation or self? Identifying the right partner Building partnerships and putting ideas into practice www.communitysouthwark.org @cosouthwark