3.37 While there was considerable variation across the groups as to the meaning and role of partnership all highlighted the added value which they suggested partnership or partnership working afforded. This ranged from promoting greater networking and understanding between divergent sectors to synergy and more effective approaches to dealing with joined up problems.
3.38 Almost all partnerships operating at a local level highlighted the longer term impact or value of partnership in building capacity and promoting networking and understanding between the various sectors and partners. The regional bodies interviewed tended to see the value of partnership in terms of providing a more integrated and strategic approach to cross cutting problems and service delivery. Although there was broad agreement among those interviewed that partnership could provide for a more effective and efficient use of resources, most felt that it was too early to confirm whether this had been the case.
3.39 While acknowledging that partnership can play a role in bringing key parties into a process and building relations in a divided society, there were some concerns that as a means of engaging with communities it offered little added value and alternative approaches should be considered.