1.12 The report concludes that there are currently too many partnerships. This has increasingly stretched the capacity of all sectors, in particular social partners, to engage effectively. This undermines both the performance of individual partnerships and also confidence in the partnership approach. To enable partnerships to work effectively and achieve maximum benefit, it is essential that action is taken to reduce the number of partnerships in the longer-term. However, any such action must take account of the outcome of the Review of Public Administration (RPA) to ensure that measures are consistent with any new administrative arrangements. In the interim and beyond there is a strong need for greater co-ordination from the centre.
Recommendation: A central unit should have the opportunity to review proposals for new partnerships emerging from departments. The Unit should:
• provide best practice advice to departments, establishing a clear set of principles for effective partnership working that could be utilised by departments;
• advise departments in light of best practice as to whether proposals give partnerships the best chance of success; and
• where appropriate, identify opportunities to utilise existing arrangements.
The unit's role should be advisory, final decisions would be taken by the instigating department(s).
Recommendation: To provide a means of disseminating information, a detailed list of current partnerships in NI should be made available on-line and updated regularly.