1. Introduction to collaborative working

2. Workshop objectives  To explore the context and drivers for collaboration  To identify the benefits, challenges and things that can help  To explore structures and written agreements  To enable you to make informed decisions about whether it suits your situation

3. What is collaborative working?

4. What is collaboration? Merger Informal networks Joint projects

5. Drivers  Government  Public opinion  Charity Commission  Funders  Recession  Expectation

6. Key changes in public services  Gershon Review of Public Sector Efficiency (2004)  DCLG’s Creating Strong, Safe & Prosperous Communities (2008)  Social Exclusion Task Force  World Class Commissioning  DWP Commissioning Strategy (2008)  Best Value

7. Benefits of collaborating

8. Benefits  New or improved services  Knowledge & information sharing  More efficient use of resources  Sharing risk in new projects  Stronger, united voice  Better co-ordination of activities Enabling a better service for beneficiaries

9. Obstacles and challenges to collaborative working

10. Obstacles  Personalities  Lack of resources  Competition  Cultural difference  Lack of information and experience  Resistance to change

11. What can help?

12. Things that can help  Trust and commitment  Early agreement  Recognition of different strengths  Open, honest communication  Steering group  Compatible cultures  Vision

13. Structures for collaborative working

14. Structures  New legal body  Lead organisation  External non-delivering lead

15. Joint working agreements  Clarify the project  Define roles and commitments  Process of writing  Reference document

16. Joint working agreements – what to include  Introduction  Roles and responsibilities  Costs and assets  Monitoring and evaluation  Communication and meetings  Branding and logos  Exit strategy

17. Considerations for merger

18. When might a merger be considered?  Very similar aims and objectives  Complementary activities  Rescue or survival  Increased efficiency  Funding of projects

19. Benefits  Improved services to beneficiaries  Economies of scale  Reduction of confusion and duplication for supporters  Knowledge sharing

20. Barriers  Staff dissatisfaction  Culture clash  Brand confusion  Loss of identity  Trustee board integration  Cost  Doubts whether merger is in the best interests of beneficiaries

21. Key things to consider  Existing funding  TUPE  Planning and communication  Working group  Merging Boards  Interim arrangements

22. Structures  Full merger  New organisation  Existing structure  Group structure

23. What to look for  Previous history  Mission match  Resources – stable and sustainable  Reputation and reach  Good governance

24. Deal Breakers  Weak business case  Incompatible objects  New board & Chief Executive  Name and structure of new organisation  Different organisational cultures  Pensions  IT systems  Properties  Restricted funding

25. Due Diligence  Financial (e.g. financial history or accounting systems)  Legal (e.g. governing documents or contracts of employment)  Strategic and operational (e.g. organisational culture or IT systems)

26. Is it right for your situation?

27. Email: collaborate@ncvo-vol.org.uk www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/collaborate Tel: 020 7520 2440 Resources