© 2010 Local Government Alliance for International Development
| Working with an overseas partner |
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In addition, of course, the economic, political, cultural and social context of each partner’s work is likely to be very different from the other. It is important to cover these issues as part of the process of establishing the partnership but, inevitably, some things will only become known to the partners as they get to know each other. If things have deteriorated then consider ways of reenergising the partnership. |
Good communications, including awareness and understanding of cultural differences, is a key factor in establishing good partner working relations. If the two partners have different values, attitudes and practices, misunderstandings can easily arise so it is important that partners understand and are aware of differences as well as the things they have in common. This is all the more important as language can introduce another complicating factor.>>Find out how
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Make sure you understand and manage each other’s expectations. Good planning is key to this and one of the first steps in most partnerships will be to work together on a partnership strategic plan. It is also important to review codes of conduct on matters such as financial accountability, travel costs, hotel and meal costs, hospitality and gifts. You should consider how these will be implemented in the context of the partnership, identifying and dealing with any possible practical issues and any gaps in the codes ahead of time. If staff or councillors are visiting the partner project, it will be important to carry out a risk assessment that covers the health and safety of staff, emergency procedures and insurance arrangements. See the Practicalities of International Partnerships for more detail. |
>>Case studies
Hull City Council and Freetown City Council in Sierra Leone are currently working together on improving contract & PPP procedures. In order to aid communication the two partner councils are exploring the use of web technologies. Currently they have to rely on email, which can lead to complications when many different officers from different countries are involved. Officers are looking at using social/web 2.0 technologies (something that is already being used by many councils in the UK) to collaborate on joint documents and discussions.
>>Tips
+ Prepare a strategy for working together and keep it under regular review (see ‘partnership strategic plan’ panel).
+ Discuss cultural differences together and use them as a source of inspiration.
+ Work with partners as equals. Think through together with your partners the practical aspects of the relationship that will ensure that the partnership is equal in principle as well as reality. Where there are aspects that are not equal, as there inevitably will be because of different partner strengths and weaknesses, make these explicit.
+ Follow up initial planning and work with your partner with your own review of the implications for your own council. For example, are there emerging lessons for your own policies and practices? Are there staff training needs that arise from the partnership?
+ Be clear about the partnership timeframe, in particular how and when progress will be evaluated and decisions taken on completion or continuation.