How can we work together without a formal partnership?
Over the last year we have asked lots of people working in regeneration what they think about this guide. Lots of people said that they had moved on from formal partnership working, to more flexible joined up working arrangements.
People said there was an important difference:
• Partnership working implies more formal arrangements – something happening ‘around the table’ at a strategic level
• Joint up working was seen as a more practical, on the ground reality – where organisations and staff work together to improve their services.
So, we’re taking what you said on board! This month, we are focusing on how you can work jointly, without setting up a formal partnership.
How can we work jointly?
Increasingly, organisations are moving towards more flexible joint working arrangements. Some of these are ambitious and high profile, including:
Shared premises and one stop shops Many organisations have based their front line services in the same building, to make it easier for service users – and encourage joint working between staff. Find out about this approach in Dalmellington, East Ayrshire and The Hub, Glasgow |
Sharing staff This can create better links between different organisations. Find out more in IDEA’s online guide to sharing services |
Others are simple solutions, which can have a major impact on the way organisations work together:
Gathering information Simply gathering information in a consistent way, and sharing it can make a big difference. For example, find out about Glasgow’s new approach to equality monitoring |
Communicating or consulting with communities jointly This can help to pool expertise, and avoid duplication of activity. For example, Fife Council, NHS and Age Concern Scotland have set up joint panels for consulting older people. |
Signposting and referral systems With the range of organisations operating in regeneration, its important to make sure that people can easily access the services and information they need. One example is the Argyll and Bute Advice Network, which has developed an online signposting and referral tracking system |
Find out more
Our Partners in Regeneration network helps people in regeneration to work together more closely.
Read the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s useful summary of experience of joint working in regeneration across the UK.
Find out what others have done in our bank of Joined Up Regeneration Profiles.
Next month…
We’ll continue to focus on joint working in future months, to make sure this guide reflects what is happening on the ground.
