Building Partnerships
The Importance of Partnerships
With the objective to lift the year 12 or equivalent attainment rate to 90 percent by 2015 the Australian Governments Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations have funded a new initiative; School Business Community Partnership Brokers. This program aims to improve community and business engagement with schools and training providers in hopes to enhance opportunity for young Australians and the wider community. Working together with a common goal will provide positive outcomes that will benefit our future community as a whole. Partnership Brokers will enhance and establish sustainable partnerships/relationships between and among four key stakeholder groups:
- Education and training providers
- Business and industry
- Parents and families
- Community groups
What Is The Partnership Process?
Forming partnerships is a complex process that relies heavily on relationships that take time and effort to develop. Sustainable partnerships are those that have been formed using the partnership process. This process was created by Dixon Partnership Solutions and addresses 3 key stages; creating, developing and sustaining (this process is shown below). By following this process partnerships should be strong, equal, effective and lasting. For more information on partnerships click the link below.
In the early stage potential partners come together to explore the possibilities of a partnership, the overall purpose and the value to each partner.
Activities undertaken during the creating stage could include:
- Deciding when to partner.
- Convening initial meetings of key stakeholders.
- Searching for additional partners.
- Developing collaborative bid proposals.
- Developing appropriate protocols and agreements.
- Undertaking 'Preparing to Partner' awareness programs.
- Designing communication processes.
Once there is a commitment to proceed a detailed strategic partnership plan is developed, resources are considered and implementation commenced.
Activities undertaken during the developing stage could include:
- Mapping available resources.
- Developing a strategic partnership plan.
- Convening meetings and workshops with key stakeholders.
- Managing and coordinating the partnership.
- Engaging technical expertise to inform the partnership .
- Resolving conflicts .
- Capacity building initiatives with partners.
Once the partnership is established it needs to be reviewed to assess what it has delivered and whether it should continue, be dissolved or be institutionalised.
Activities undertaken during the sustaining stage could include:
- Monitoring commitments.
- Reviewing and evaluating outcomes.
- Developing new strategic directions.
- Capturing the learning’s.
- Resolving.
Consultation & Strategic Planning Workshop
MWLP recently hosted a strategic planning workshop with major stakeholders from the areas of education and training, business and industry and community, parents and family. It was a great success that will assist MWLP to ensure our work plan addresses local needs.
There was an excellent response from dedicated representatives, all keen to share information and knowledge and brainstorm issues including equipping young people for the future, skill development, enhancing learning experiences, and building partnerships across Macarthur.
The day was facilitated by Professor Jim Bright PHD and over 40 stakeholders attended. It provided an excellent opportunity for networking and for exploring innovative partnership possibilities.
If you would like more information, have ideas or would like a copy of our work plan please contact Dianna, Amber or Janelle on 4625 1863 you can also click on the link below to view the Summary document outlining what we discussed during the workshop.
Click here for the Summary document.
Click here to download the Partnership Brokers Business Plan.
