1.7 As a first step in the analysis, EPU undertook a mapping exercise, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the position in relation to partnerships in Northern Ireland, and in particular to identify the range of partnerships within the public sector, their key attributes, accountability, funding arrangements and composition. Information was collected through two questionnaire templates (attached at Appendix Two) which were forwarded to all NICS Departments.
1.8 A total of 584 partnerships were identified, 354 in the returns to template 1 and 230 in the returns to template 2. However, initial analysis of the returns confirmed that a number of the bodies identified could not be appropriately referred to as partnerships. In light of this, departments were asked to reconsider their initial returns, as a result of which 31 bodies were excluded from further analysis. The outcome of the analysis is summarised in Section 3 of this paper.
1.9 To inform the development of recommendations and consult on some of the key findings emerging from the analysis of departmental returns, officials from EPU also met with a number of partnerships and key regional organisations to discuss their experience of partnership working. The key issues identified during discussions are summarised in section 3 of this paper.
1.10 To place the issue in its wider context and illustrate the rationale behind the conclusions reached, EPU also undertook a review of evidence based research and best practice guidance from elsewhere, particularly GB. This is summarised in Section 2 of this paper.