Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Acknowledgemnets 5
The Authors 6
Abbreviations 7
Summary 8
1. Introduction 12
2. Methodology 14
2.1. Introduction 14
2.2. Phase 1 - Scoping research 14
2.3. Phase 2 - mini-group discussions and depth interviews 15
2.3.1. Recruitment 16
2.3.2. Encouraging participation 16
2.3.3. Research materials and moderation 17
2.4. Phase 3 - Online bulletin boards 17
2.5. Phase 4 - Development of tracking questions 17
3. Literature review: what makes a partnership effective? 18
3.1. Introduction 18
3.2. Why use partnerships? 19
3.3. Clearly defined objectives 20
3.4. Governance 22
3.5. Clear leadership 23
3.6. Systems of accountability 24
3.7. ConsuItation and communications 25
3.8. Conclusion 27
4. Understanding the context 28
4.1. Introduction 28
4.2. Awareness of the Pension, Disability and Carers Service 28
4.3. Interactions with the PDCS 30
4.3.1. National partners 30
4.3.2. Local partners 31
4.4. Trust and confidence in PDCS/TPS/DCS 34
5. Understanding partnerships 38
5.1. Introduction 38
5.2. Communication and exchange of information 38
5.3. Equality, mutual interests and shared goals 40
5.4. Ability to influence an outcome 41
5.5. Openness and transparency 42
5.6. Timely consuItation processes 42
5.7. Greater understanding about partner organisations 44
6. Current working practices and future challenges 46
6.1. Introduction 46
6.2. National level stakeholders 46
6.3. Local level stakeholders 49
6.4. Improving partnerships 52
6.5. Future challenges 53
7. Conclusions and considerations 56
8. Tracking stakeholder opinion in the future 60
Appendix 64
Appendix A. Discussion guide 64
Appendix B. PDCS Advisory Forum - Terms of Reference (draft) 70
References 72
Table 2.1. Sample and research activity matrix 16
Figure 3.1. Negative cycle 21
Figure 3.2. Arnstein's ladder of participation 26