Partnership Working with the Private Sector Tony Churchill Business Connector Business in the Community Becky Brown Partnership Development Officer WBC/WVA

Partnership Working with the Private Sector Involvement with local 3rd sector organisation How connection was made Planning Considerations Benefits for both parties Next steps – 4 breakout groups

Partnership Working with the Private Sector Identifying Opportunities? How? Who? What ? Where? When? Why?….having a clear goal!!

Group Feedback – Identifying Opportunities Invite organisations to be part of your Board Talk to businesses and build networks Find out what skills are available Speak to larger charities who can refer people with skills to help out Difficulties in getting people to understand your aims/who you are working with Which or who in the orgnaisation should charities contact in business/private sector

Partnership Working with the Private Sector Identifying Barriers? Resources Finance Skills H&S Environment Buy in

Group Feedback – Identifying Barriers Face to face conversation rather than IT as this can limit communication Time limitations – outside working hours Identifying mutual benefits – what’s in it for me? (Not box ticking) How do you do it? Who do you contact? Need to go to the right people so you are not being passed from pillar to post and ensure a single point of contact Realist approach from charity on the relationship – know when to walk away if it is not suitable for you and know where you stand Financial capacity/sustainability – might not have all the resources Co-ordination/compromise Speak in plain English, make no assumptions and value everyone

Partnership Working with the Private Sector Managing a Project? Planning Skills Risks Resources Contingencies Welfare facilities

Group Feedback – Managing a Project Bring together key people at an initial meeting and appoint a key contact Develop a formal, structured plan with timescales Networking – connections Identify and utilise individual skills and identify equipment and volunteers needed Commitment needed from the business whilst ensuring mutual benefit and trust Ensure there is a backup plan Ensure risk assessments are carried out – health and safety, insurance etc. Ensure basic needs are covered, e.g. food and water

Partnership Working with the Private Sector Maintaining Partnerships? Keeping dialogue open Promote the experience Evaluation and impact Planning future opportunities Honesty and integrity

Group Feedback – Maintaining Partnerships Broader awareness across both organisations can enrich the partnership - Offer skills development back to the supporters Networking events or similar - company to host – link to CSR agendas Invest time and patience and develop trust – see it as a friendship Channel communication through one contact Respect – recognise benefit and longevity using case studies and impact Honest appreciation of mutual interest Clarity of what the organisation needs – cohesion with agreed strategy (not the basis of it)

Partnership Working with the Private Sector Business Connector – Warrington Tony Churchill