WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER PUBLIC SERVICE CONTRACTS SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER

Is this right for You? Be clear about your motivation for seeking the contract What are the implications for your organisation Weigh up the pros and cons of pursuing this contract for your organisation Devon Consortium

What can we learn from others? Collaboration is hard work and involves commitment The existence of (a) champion(s) within the group who will take responsibility for driving things forward is a key There needs to be commitment from the partner organisations – including Trustees Quick wins are important and lead to more substantive work Don’t underestimate the resources needed - there needs to be capacity to commit time to the project Devon Consortium

Think before you leap... 1.Evaluate the benefits and risks for your organisation 2.Explore what you have to give and what you expect to get 3.Where possible build on existing networks 4.Setting up a partnership is only the first step – managing it effectively takes time and ongoing commitment. Devon Consortium

Don’t forget... 1.Quality 2.Due diligence 3.Bottom lines 4.Added value 5.Differences Devon Consortium

Leadership and Governance Although mutual accountability and mutual benefit are essential, the larger the group, the more someone will need to be acknowledged as having the authority to drive it forward and sort out differences. The lead provider will have important responsibilities. There need to be clear governance arrangements and everyone needs to sign up to these. Devon Consortium

Top tips Involve the Board of Governance/Trustees in plans for consortium development from an early stage; Check the financial standing of all of the other potential consortium members; Avoid breaking Competition Law in planning the services to be delivered by the consortium members; Obtain legal advice at an early stage in the development of the consortium; Allow sufficient time for the consortium to develop– nine months is a reasonable guide. Allocate sufficient resources - including staff time; Ensure that all consortium members are able to demonstrate sound ethical governance and business probity ; Identify, address and insure all areas of risk; Ensure that the consortium has the ability to deliver all elements of the contract; Make sure that evidence is available which demonstrates that the individual members and the consortium as a whole has the capacity and capability to deliver the contract Put in place an Information Sharing Agreement and a Confidentiality Agreement before entering into any discussions regarding matters relating to the consortium; Obtain confirmation from all levels of management in your organisation that you are happy to work with each of the other potential consortium members and that there are no risks which might arise from working in a close and integrated way or by association.

Where can I get help? Consortium Website has factsheets and information For practical tools and resources visit: bassac.org.uk/collaboration Guidance on Joint Ventures and partnerships Devon Consortium