Networks Understanding Building Sustaining

Defining the Scope What types of networks do you work with?

Overview Characteristics of effective networks Questions to facilitate networks Insights from network events Exit strategies

Characteristics of successful networks

 Purpose  People  Process  Planning (& Timing)  Products Government of South Economic Australia Development Agency Analysis of effective networks in communities, business, government and education

Five characteristics Five groups Support network Research network Practitioner network Issue network Delivery network

Network: Purpose What is the need that this network serves? What will individuals gain from the network? What do you need individuals to contribute?

People Which skills does the network need? How will relationships be fostered? What kinds of people are needed in the network? What do they gain from it? Network:

Process What level of structure and rules are appropriate? What support is needed to establish the network? How will the flow of people in and out of the network be managed? How will involvement in sub-projects/issues be managed and staffed? Network:

Planning What outcomes are people working towards? How will the network lobby and position itself? What resources will be needed if the network scales up or develops? How will the flow of people in and out of the network be managed? How will decisions be made? Network:

Products Is this an “ideas” or an “action” network? Or both? How will the value of the network be measured? What development opportunities are available? How will the network become and stay visible? How will the network demonstrate credibility? Network:

My Insights

People have to talk to each other Create the environment and manage the flow

The right people need to be in the room Be explicit about the purpose of the network and its value

There must be momentum Identify goals and make them plan!

Everyone must give and receive Create the environment and manage the flow

Event jigsaw Theme of event Choose realistic objectives for event Decide on timings Envisage end-point

Welcome, Introduction, Context What do people need to hear and know before the event can get going? Who needs to deliver this? Which voices need to be heard? Where do you want people to be when the core of the event starts?

What do you do? Is it important for everyone to know each other’s background and interests? How will you manage this? One minute introductions? Speed networking ? How much of the event do you want to devote to this? How will you manage this without losing momentum? What use can you make of refreshment breaks? How will you keep conversations within the scope of the event or network?

Activities What experiences or discussions do you want people to have at the event? What do they need to do to leave the event with a shared vision or purpose? How comfortable will your audience be with different activities?

Managing the flow How will you maintain momentum and ensure the event doesn’t “fizzle out”? What will you do during low energy points? What flexibility is there to adapt the event goals once the group begin to engage and set their own agenda?

Next Steps What do you want people to do after the event? How will this be managed? What resources are required? What timescales do you want people to work to? What follow up is required and by when? Who will take responsibility for this?