The voluntary and community sector are becoming even more of a recognised partner in service development and delivery. There are many new partnerships springing up and also an obligation for the public sector to work in new ways.

Here are a few points to think about when entering into a partnership:

Effective partnerships are about making services better for the people who use them.

By pooling resources and planning together it is possible to bring about major change and benefits that cannot be achieved in other ways.

Partnerships can be:

· With other voluntary & community groups and organisations

· With business

· With public sector agencies

· Or, multi-agency

· Small or large

· Temporary or permanent.

Why think about partnerships?

· There is increasing recognition of the value and contribution of the voluntary and community sector

· At the same time there are many changes in the economy, society and policy which offer both threats and opportunities to the sector. These include increased competition for funding, a growing emphasis on contracting and value for money in service provision, and the government's promotion of working in partnership with the community.

· There has been a shift in the way the sector is funded. The grants system is disappearing and this may cause problems for some organisations.

· Voluntary organisations are frequently dependent on volunteers to provide services and there is evidence that recruiting volunteers is becoming more difficult especially in rural areas.

· The overarching concern is one of capacity – the ability of the sector to continue to fulfil the increasing demands which are placed on it – the ‘more for less agenda’.

Why partnerships go bad!

· Some partners are more dedicated than others

· No-one really knows why they are in the partnership

· It’s not sustainable

· Partners are not honest

· The right people aren’t round the table

· There’s just not enough time in the day!

What can a partnership bring?

· Funding or enhanced access to funding programmes

· Gifts-in-kind (products, services or supplies)

· Increased credibility or reputation in the community

· Expertise (e.g. marketing, accounting)

· Added voices or support for your mission

· Access to information and advice

· Resources and facilities

· Access to volunteers

· Secondments

· Access to a specific audience or to a broader community

Are you ready to be a partner?

· How could partnerships help you move forward toward your vision?

· What are your expectations?

· Could a partnership help with your key initiatives?

· What value do we have to offer to your partners?

· Partnerships take time — a vital resource – do you have any to spare?

What can the VCS offer?

The VCS often under-values what they can contribute to potential partners. Do not undersell your contribution!

· You work within and with the community

· You understand —and have access to—clients and audiences

· You have skills, knowledge and expertise that others value

· You work towards the same goals as other VCS organisations and the public sector

· You could be a better deliverer, more cost effective or have all the elements in place already.

Getting ready for partnership

· Be as specific as possible about what you hope to gain from a partnership.

· Identify what you have to offer potential partners.

· Build a model of what an ideal partner would look like.

· Identify potential partners – think out of the box too (businesses, rivals etc.)

· Get your story ready

· Understand your value.

Always remember: There should be something in a partnership for everyone involved!