1. Partnership Working
@cosouthwark

2. 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
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3. Partnership spectrum Independent Integrate Coordinate Collaboration
Cooperate
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4. Partnerships – things to consider
Choosing partners
Due diligence
Risk assessment
Clarity on structure and management
Governance
Time, resources and commitment
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5. Due diligence Background and governance Management and people
IT, systems and management
Financial information
Assets and liabilities
Other legal issues
Non-disclosure agreement
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6. Preparing for partnership work 1
Building partnership approaches into organisational strategy
Clear vision and mission
Staff and Trustees’ hearts and minds
Financial transparency
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. What are the challenges
Ensuring (legal) relationships and liabilities are clear
Integrating user-involvement with governance structures
Getting used to working together
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11. 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
@cosouthwark

12. 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
@cosouthwark

13. 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!
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14. We can help… www.communitysouthwark.org
Main office number:
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15. 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
@cosouthwark