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Effective collaborative practice


		11-16 schools

		6th form schools

		Colleges

The characteristics of effective collaboration are:

A shared vision

Leadership is at a senior level. All partners have a clear and shared understanding of the purpose, objectives and desired outcomes of collaborative arrangements. They know how the arrangements will meet young people's needs, enhance attainment and progression, and contribute to organisational aims, objectives and priorities.

Joint strategic planning

Senior staff from partner organisations guide and shape developments. They have active oversight of operational matters. They regularly review arrangements, agreeing interventions and changes as necessary. Protocols, contracts and service-level and/or partnership agreements set out and support working arrangements.

Appointment of coordinators

A coordinator or director is appointed or seconded to oversee the work of consortium arrangements. In other types of collaboration, designated individuals act as objective, impartial coordinators at local and organisational levels. They oversee and regularly review developments, working arrangements and contributions from individuals and organisations. They use the outcomes to facilitate change and bring about improvements.

Appropriate staffing

Staff involved in collaborative arrangements are committed, willing and enthusiastic. They possess the qualifications, experience and expertise to work with young people and the ability to work across boundaries and with a variety of staff in their own and other organisations.

Joint working

Staff at various levels from partner organisations have the time and resources required to implement agreed curriculum and operational frameworks and undertake joint planning, training and delivery.

Efficient communication systems

Communication systems allow regular and effective contact between all those involved. Information exchange is rapid and at appropriate levels.

Evidence-based development

Monitoring, reviewing and evaluating are integral to the arrangements. Roles and responsibilities are clear. The outcomes of monitoring, reviewing and evaluating inform decisions and facilitate planned improvements.