Creating effective partnerships to deliver public services - discussion session two Improving partnership working Factors which influence partnership effectiveness The transparent and equitable distribution of power within partnerships is arguably the most important factor shaping partnership effectiveness. Research has identified a range of systemic barriers to the equitable distribution of power, including the dominance of local and central government within many partnerships. These factors in turn shape the links between strategic and operational levels of partnerships and the engagement of third sector organisations. Talking points How are power differentials experienced in your partnership? What are the processes by which the power of different partners is shared or reinforced? What can be done to ensure that all partners have a voice in decision making and ownership of the outputs and outcomes of the partnership? How is the effectiveness of your partnership shaped by the context within which it operates? (E.g. relationships between partners, funding arrangements, statutory responsibilities, demography and environmental issues. Improving partnership working Successful approaches to partnership improvement engage with complexity, support staff to reflect critically on policies and practice and develop enhanced understanding. Learning with peers from different partner organisations supports staff to develop understanding of the cultures and contributions of different partners and increases their confidence in working across agencies. Talking Points How does your partnership currently support staff to develop the skills to work and lead in partnership? How could you use the evidence from the review to help you improve your partnership?
Creating effective partnerships to deliver public services Improving partnership working - discussion session two Factors which influence partnership effectiveness The transparent and equitable distribution of power within partnerships is arguably the most important factor shaping partnership effectiveness. Research has identified a range of systemic barriers to the equitable distribution of power, including the dominance of local and central government within many partnerships. These factors in turn shape the links between strategic and operational levels of partnerships and the engagement of third sector organisations. Talking points How are power differentials experienced in your partnership? What are the processes by which the power of different partners is shared or reinforced? What can be done to ensure that all partners have a voice in decision making and ownership of the outputs and outcomes of the partnership? How is the effectiveness of your partnership shaped by the context within which it operates? (E.g. relationships between partners, funding arrangements, statutory responsibilities, demography and environmental issues. Improving partnership working Successful approaches to partnership improvement engage with complexity, support staff to reflect critically on policies and practice and develop enhanced understanding. Learning with peers from different partner organisations supports staff to develop understanding of the cultures and contributions of different partners and increases their confidence in working across agencies. Talking Points How does your partnership currently support staff to develop the skills to work and lead in partnership? How could you use the evidence from the review to help you improve your partnership?
Partnership-working-Talking-Points-discussion-tool.docx