Working together is about creating a Leeds where
public and third sector partners work together to more effectively meet the
needs and aspirations of the people of Leeds.
Context: Public and third sector
partners work together in many ways and for many reasons: in formal strategic
partnerships, in contractual working arrangements, in ongoing but informal
working relationships or in ad hoc working relationships to deliver on specific
tasks. To develop and sustain these relationships effectively requires time,
energy and resources and all partners need to agree clear, achievable goals and
outcomes for joint working.
Value should be seen in the
contribution of all partners, and this can be achieved by building transparent,
proportionate procedures and ensuring effective review and evaluation. New
formal partnerships should only be established when it is clear they will add
value and reduce unnecessary costs and bureaucracy.
Best practice around
equality, diversity and inclusion should be central to working together and
built into all working relationships and formal partnerships.
Partner Commitments: Working together
Working together to deliver improved outcomes
Partners will:
- Establish together the aims of the working relationship;
ensure there is effective leadership; and clear roles for each partner.
- Recognise that the partners involved in the working
relationship have legitimate individual goals as well as shared goals.
- Ensure that a supportive atmosphere exists in any working
relationship or formal partnership, where all partners can make an equitable
contribution and there is respect for different perspectives.
- Be prepared to explore previously untried approaches and to innovate.
- Ensure that decisions are made after due consideration of the impact
on others.
- Ensure that risks are identified and managed.
- Ensure that dedicated time and resources for the
administration and operation of any formal partnership are established and that
partners are agreed that the benefits of
the partnership outweigh the costs.
Agreeing who should be working together
Partners will:
- Identify potential stakeholders and the contribution they can
make, e.g. roles as expert, advisor, representative.
- Review the composition of existing and new working relationships
and partnerships periodically to ensure the right partners, with the
appropriate level of responsibility and accountability, are involved.
- Where practical, enable the involvement of groups,
organisations and communities who are likely to be affected by the work.
Working together should be inclusive
Partners will:
- Ensure that the practical arrangements are inclusive and take
account of the needs of different participants. There are some supporting
documents available to help with this. See Compact Implementation Aid #1.
- Clarify who takes responsibility for the costs associated with
the partnership.
Building the capacity of those involved
Partners will:
- Work to create a culture of mutual support to develop
partners’ capacity and skills to fulfil their role.
- Provide opportunities, where appropriate, for partners to
develop their role and acquire new skills and expertise.
Working arrangements are effectively reviewed
Partners will:
- Periodically carry out an assessment of arrangements for
working together. See Compact Implementation Aid #2.