13 - Working together in partnership
Checklist for good practice in partnership
1 Everyone has something to gain – it’s a ‘win-win’ situation
- all stakeholders know what they stand to gain by their participation
- this is clearly stated and written
- there is a ‘mission’ that is supported by all partners and translated into aims.
2 There are clear outcomes – a shared goal
- all partners have an agreed, shared understanding of the anticipated results/effect of the work the partnership is undertaking the objectives have measurable benefits.
3 A lead agency is agreed – for specific times and tasks
- all partners agree who leads; there may be different leaders for different tasks/times.
4 There is agreement and clarity about who is funding which parts of the work
5 An information strategy is in place – a plan to communicate
For this to be effective you will need to:- agree how partners/stakeholders will be informed
- know who else should be informed
- establish mailing lists of partners, stakeholders and others who need specific information
- agree how decisions will be shared
- provide information in plain, appropriate language.
6 Adapt to change
- remember, the needs you are meeting and the context in which you will be working will change. Be alert to this and flexible enough to adapt.
7 Regular management meetings and meetings with other stakeholders
- this is essential to make sure that there is proper accountability for decisions and feedback from the work that you do.
8 Monitor the work that is done and have the whole partnership evaluate progress
- do this at planned intervals that are suitable to the work you are doing.
- if you do it too frequently it will become draining and be a bore. If you leave it too long, things might be going wrong without you knowing. As a rule most organisations evaluate annually.
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