The benefits of partnership working
“Practitioners with backgrounds in single, traditional agencies report high levels of satisfaction with multi-agency working. In particular, they feel liberated from the narrow bureaucratic and cultural constraints of their parent organisation. Where the initial bedding down phase is well managed, they find the potential for cross-fertilisation between the different agencies stimulating; and many value the opportunity to take a more holistic approach to the needs of children”(Fitzgerald, 2004)
The following benefits have been identified:
- Providing what children, young people and families say they want
- Access to services not previously available, and a wider range of services
- Easier or quicker access to services or expertise
- Improved educational attainment and better engagement in education
- Early identification and intervention
- Better support for parents
- Children's needs addressed more appropriately
- Better quality services
- Reduced need for more specialist services
The On Track evaluation identified positive impacts for staff (NFER, 2004). These were primarily associated with new ways of working within multi-agency teams, in particular:
- Less replication between different service providers
- Better links between service providers, including a greater understanding of their practices
- Professional development and career progression opportunities
- More involvement in community development
Further reading
- The benefits of partnership working
"Practitioners with backgrounds in single, traditional agencies report high levels of satisfaction with multi-agency working..." more > - Building partnership approaches
"Partnership working gives Bookstart coordinators access to dads and families..." more > - Getting the decision makers onboard
"The Key decision makers responsible for approving Children and Young People's Plans are likely to be elected members and senior managers..." more >