A partnership guide

Frank, F. & Smith, A. (2000)
Hull, QC

How to cite this summary:

National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (2012). A partnership guide. Hamilton, ON: McMaster University. Retrieved from http://www.nccmt.ca/registry/view/eng/112.html.

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Tool Knowledge Knowledge Planning Doing Evaluating

These summaries are written by the NCCMT to condense and to provide an overview of the resources listed in the Registry of Methods and Tools and to give suggestions for their use in a public health context. For more information on individual methods and tools included in the review, please consult the authors/developers of the original resources.

Relevance for Public Health
 This tool provides practical tips, checklists, stories and strategies to help develop, sustain and evaluate a partnership. For instance, the guide includes checklists and questions to assess individual and organizational skills for partnering, partnership readiness and steps for closing a partnership.
Description
 This comprehensive resource on partnerships was created by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) to support the development of partnerships. Although the main focus of the Partnership Handbook is on community-based partnerships, this tool would be relevant for anyone interested in partnering with others to achieve group goals.

This guide is divided into six sections, each containing helpful tips, stories and questions to support the use of the guide in your partnership effort.

Section I: Definition of a partnership (including partnership function and structure)

Section II: Conditions that support partnerships and assessment tools (including assessing your readiness to partner)

Section III: The partnership process (see steps below)

Section IV: Knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to undertake a partnership

Section V: Common issues and possible solutions when partnering (transition management, leadership, burnout, etc.)

Section VI: Characteristics of different partnership approaches (including rural, northern and urban partnerships)

 
Evaluation and Measurement Characteristics
Evaluation
 Information not available
Validity
 Not applicable
Reliability
 Not applicable
Methodological Rating
 Not applicableNot applicable
Implementing the Method/Tool
Who is involved
 Any individual or organization interested in partnering with others would find this resource helpful. The lead organization in a partnership would be particularly interested in this resource, as well as the Facilitator's Guide, to support their activities coordinating a partnership.
Time
 Information not available. Depends upon the scope of the initiative.
Additional Resources and/or Skills Needed for Implementation
 Not specified
Steps for Using Method/Tool

Section III of the Partnership Handbook discusses the steps involved in developing an effective partnership.

Stage 1: Initial development

  • Create a vision for the partnership.
  • Create partnership goals.
  • Understand the current situation – conduct a SWOT analysis to assess your organization's or community's readiness to partner.
  • Confirm partnership commitment.
  • Select partners.
  • Understand the implications of your partnership (legal issues and others).

Stage 2: Making it happen

  • Develop action plans for partnership goals (see Action Planning Summary Sheet to summarize actions needed for each goal).
  • Articulate resources needed (human, financial and infrastructure resources).
  • Articulate roles and responsibilities for partners.
  • Establish a code of conduct for how partners will interact.
  • Build capacity within the partnership and develop strategies to support skill and knowledge growth.

Stage 3: Evaluation and setting future directions

  • Assess partnership progress and achievements.
  • Set future directions.
  • Revise, renew or end your partnership (checklist for closing a partnership).
Conditions for Use
 Not specified
Method/Tool Development
Developer(s)
 Flo Frank and Anne Smith
Labour Market Learning and Development Unit
Human Resources Development Canada
5th Floor, Place du Portage IV
140 Promenade du Portage
Hull QC K1A 0J9
Tel: (819) 953-7414
Fax: (819) 997-5163
Method of Development
 Created for the Labour Market Learning and Development Unit at Human Resources Development Canada, this resource supports the development of effective partnerships. In addition to the Partnership Handbook, there is also a Facilitator's Guide to support use of the Handbook.
Release Date
 2000
Contact Person/Source
 Flo Frank
c/o Common Ground Consulting Inc.
Box 39,
Meacham SK S0K 2V0

Anne Smith
c/o J.A. Smith Consulting Ltd.
10934 - 66 Avenue,
Edmonton AB T6H 1Y2

Resources

Title of Primary Resource
 The Partnership Handbook
File Attachment
 None
Web-link
 http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/245551/publication.html
Reference
 Frank, F. & Smith, A. (2000). The Partnership Handbook. Hull, QC: Human Resources Development Canada. Available from: http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/245551/publication.html.
Type of Material
 Guide
Format
 On-line Access
Cost to Access
  
Language
 English, French
Conditions for Use
 Copyright © 2000 Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 

Title of Supplementary Resource
 The Partnership Facilitator's Guide
File Attachment
 None
Web-link
 http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/90785/publication.html
Reference
 King, K., Smith, A., & Frank, F. (2000). The Partnership Facilitator's Guide. Hull, QC: Human Resources Development Canada. Available from: http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/90785/publication.html.
Type of Material
 Guide
Format
 On-line Access
Cost to Access
  
Language
 English, French
Conditions for Use
 Copyright © 2000 Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada