Establish Methods of Evaluating the Partnership

Strategic planning should be done together with the partnering agencies and common goals should be established. Review of the work being performed in common or program projects should be done periodically, which will result in a program management report. Partnerships should be monitored and evaluated in the context of what they are intended to achieve and the work that is to be undertaken. The following questions should be asked:

• What is working?
• What is not working?
• Are there unintended consequences?
• What changes should be made?

Anonymous surveys can supplement the input that is provided by partners, but a level of professionalism and insight is required of an effective partnership, and it is in these qualities that the partnerships must be evaluated.

Share responsibility for preparing for and reporting to auditors and accrediting processes conducted by independent bodies.

When partnerships are not working effectively, and governing bodies (legislatures, Boards, Governor, etc.) have mandated partnerships, these governing entities will provide the negative feedback that is necessary for holding the agency leadership accountable.

Changing, modifying or terminating partnerships should occur in the same manner that they are initiated – in open, honest and sincere in-person communications.


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