Table 7 AMP principles and corresponding process elements in existing partnership assessment tools

Develop linkage processes, including formal documentation of partnership service structure; clarification of roles and clear lines of who troubleshoots.

TT

Partnership structure

Formal and informal communication links; sharing, accessibility and management of data, information and knowledge; open, simple and frequent communication

CGIAR, Wilder, New York PSAT, VicHealth, Markwell(Verona), Tennyson

Features of good partnership: clarity of roles, responsibilities, procedures, expectations, attention to process.

CGIAR, Markwell (Verona), VicHealth

Ensure partnership is built on realistic resource capacity to support development of partnership and execution.

TT

Development and implementation resources

Relevant skills and expertise, agree on policy and the level of funds, human and material resources required.

Wilder, Nuffield, New York PSAT, VicHealth, Markwell(Verona), Tennyson

Real investment of dollars and people based on need and ongoing support for programs that work.

RA

Financial and human resource

Be consistent with meetings; use innovative communication technologies where necessary to maintain contact

TT

Regular meetings/contacts

Consistency of Commitment

Nuffield

Ensure meetings are held regularly and staff have opportunity to interact and build relationships.

TT

Flexibility and adaptability - flexible enough to allow participation of all players; adjust time, place and organisation of partnership meetings to minimize barriers to participation.

Wilder, New York PSAT, VicHealth, Markwell (Verona)

A commitment to redressing structures, relationships and outcomes that is unequal and/or discriminatory.

B

Reflection

Commitment to reconsider and modify aim, objective, policy and strategies based on review findings.

Nuffield, Markwell (Verona)

Valuing process elements as integral to support and enable partnership.

B

Valuing process

Prime focus on process, outcome and innovation

Nuffield, VicHealth

Regular and independent public evaluation of programs and policies to make sure we learn from mistakes and successes.

RA

Monitoring and evaluation

Identify success factor and barriers to partnership work including past successes; better utilisation of available skills and expertise; information provision including orientation and contextual materials to support timely decision; skills development including participatory skills, partnership monitoring and reviewing skills.

Nuffield, New York PSAT, VicHealth, Markwell (Verona)

Set targets, develop reliable data collection to simple monitoring and outcome indicators

TT

Define clear service outcomes; Shared vision and mission (goals, aims, objectives): clearly communicated to the community, compelling, concrete, attainable; agreed principles and approaches in addressing the defined problems.

CGIAR, Wilder, Nuffield, NYPSAT, VicHealth