Partnership Process

Our partnership process utlises the ‘Dixon Model’ which involves three distinct stages. Each stage has a series of specific steps and activities that need to be addressed if progression through the partnership process is to be smooth and to ensure results.

Creating Partnerships Creating Partnerships Sustaining Partnerships
In the early stage potential partners come together to explore the possibilities of a partnership, the overall purpose and the value to each partner. Once there is a commitment to proceed a detailed strategic partnership plan is developed, resources are considered and implementation commenced 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 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.
 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.
 Activities undertaken during the sustaining stage could include:
  • monitoring commitments
  • reviewing and evaluating outcomes
  • developing new strategic directions
  • capturing the learnings
  • resolving conflicts.

The roles within any partnership that need to be clarified, adapted and allocated:

  • Partnership / project ‘championship’;

  • Awareness raising;

  • Co-ordination / administration;

  • Relationship management;

  • Resource mobilization;

  • Project / program planning;

  • Project / program management;

  • Communications;

  • Monitoring.