This guide outlines why partnership working is important and what the potential benefits and challenges are. There is guidance on how to develop partnerships and ensure they are successful.

There is a bank of useful resources on issues like partnership basics, measuring performance and how to resolve conflict. Cases studies demonstrate what others are doing through some practical examples of partnership working in a variety of settings.

The key principles of partnership working are, openness, trust and honesty, agreed shared goals and values and regular communication between partners. The issues are competition between organisations which can result in an unwillingness to co-operate and culture clash.

It is important that all staff involved have the necessary authority to take decisions. Specific purpose to the partnership. It can be difficult to get the balance of communication right. Partnership may be used simply to access funding or to meet statutory requirements. The partnership working approach often takes longer to produce results.

A bank of case studies provides practical examples of partnership working. They cover a range of different circumstances and experiences. Each case study highlights key achievements and lessons learned.

For example, The Big Step partnership has worked to improve support for young people leaving care in Glasgow. A key focus has been involving young people themselves in the partnership. A contact for the lead individual involved in each case study is provided to be contacted for more information.

The purpose of the partnership should be clearly defined. All participants understand the rationale and are committed to it. There is respect for roles. A culture of trust and openness should be nurtured and a joint commitment for the partnership to succeed.

There should be a regular cycle of review in which members assess how well the partnership is fulfilling its purpose, and decide on action to improve if appropriate and evaluation is reported publicly in a clear and accessible manner. A process of performance management where clear targets are set for delivery and regular monitoring of performance is in place.

Scottish Centre for Regeneration
scr@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk

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Scottish Centre for Regeneration, Communities Scotland

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Support for local groups, Capacity building