CORE QUALITY CRITERIA:  PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS

Main aspects important for quality assurance in the case of a specific quality area (i.e. Partnerships and networks)

INDICATORS
(CORE AND ADDITIONAL/DESCRIPTORS)

What might indicate quality in the partnership?

BEST PRACTICES

Common and shared vision of the partnership/network explicitly defined and promoted

Definition: 

The vision statement describes what the network wants to be. The vision focuses on the future, gives shape and direction to the future, inspires people, groups and communities and above all shall be relevant for many years. 

Key question:

What is the future you want to create for the network? Such as collaborative action and building long lasting relations among network members.

Opportunities are created to commonly map and exchange  expectations and scenarios about possible futures

The partnership capitalizes on previous experience available from Learning Regions / Cities initiatives

There is clearly defined principles and methods to seek / gain input on hopes and aspirations for the partnership and region / city, and to gain, analyse and prioritize common themes for the partnership and region / city as well. Furthermore there is a methodology set up to draft the vision statement from common themes  

The vision statement is adopted and assimilated into the organizations' culture  

The vision statement is easy to understand, regarding clarity and lack of ambiguity, vivid and clear picture, description of a bright future, memorable and engaging wording, realistic aspirations, alignment with organizational values and culture. 

There is a clear public expression of the vision statement and clear responsibilities to communicating the vision regularly, creating narratives that illustrate the vision, acting as role-models by embodying the vision, creating short-term objectives compatible with the vision, and encouraging others to craft their own personal / organisational vision compatible with the partnership / network's overall vision 

It is ensured that the vision statement of the partnership/network is reviewed and revised if necessary, based on achievements and progress 

Defining a common vision within regional partnerships

http://consortiu-regional.adrcentru.ro/Obiective.html

The vision statement defined by the Regional Consortium ADR Center is built on previous outcomes and offers a simple but comprehensive view on principles, values and aspirations of all members of the partnership.

Common mission of the partnership/networks explicitly defined

Definition:

The mission statement describes the reasons for existence, fundamental purpose and values of the network. It describes the means that will be used to achieve the desired future. It defines the target group and the critical processes. It informs about the desired level of performance.

Key questions:

What do we do? For whom do we do it? What is the impact? 

There is working methods in place to stimulate discussion and gain input on aims and objectives, as well as mutually agreed principles to identify and prioritize aims and objectives of the partnership / network

The partnership capitalizes on previous experience available from Learning Regions / Cities initiatives

Availability of founding document of partnership / network expressing joint agreements 

Clear public expression of aims, objectives and target groups of the partnership/network

The mission statement is adopted and assimilated into the organizations' culture

The mission statement is easy to understand, regarding clarity and lack of ambiguity, realistic aspirations, alignment with organizational values and culture.

There is a clear public expression of the mission statement and clear responsibilities to communicating the mission regularly, creating narratives that illustrate the mission, acting as role-models by embodying the mission, creating short-term objectives compatible with the mission, and encouraging others to craft their own personal / organisational mission compatible with the partnership / network's overall mission statement

It is ensured that the mission statement of the partnership/network is reviewed and revised if necessary, based on achievements and progress

A common business plan fur use and possible selling activities of products out of the projects is developed and commonly decided

Transparency in membership and policy making agenda.

http://www.adrnordest.ro/index.php?page=PARTNERSHIPS_REGIONAL_STRUCTURE&language=2

Regional Development Agency North East created a comprehensive presentation of members included in different thematic groups, including both county and regional level. Also decision-making bodies (i.e. Regional Planning Committee) are presented, offering a detailed look for general public on members, policy agenda and progress of activities.

Objectives and quantifiable targets specified and commonly shared

Action plan is set up, including quantifiable targets, timelines, milestones and mechanisms to monitor progress

Agreements are elaborated into concrete projects

Strategic documents and quantifiable targets shared

http://www.adroltenia.ro/index.php?id=7&sid=19#

Developed by a consortium lead by the Regional Development Agency South West Oltenia, the strategic planning documents are stating objectives and qualtifiable targets relevant for the monitoring the progress and main outcomes of the partnership.

Principles and protocols to govern ongoing collaboration are explicit and shared

Opportunities to stimulate discussion and gain input on working methods of the partnership, analysis and matching of agreement content

Partnership agreements elaborated

Defining learning specific objectives within regional partnerships

http://consortiu-regional.adrcentru.ro/Obiective.html 

Clear channels of communication between partners and  networks exist

Means of communication are agreed by network actors and stakeholders, communication strategy is formulated and channels are in place

Guidelines for use of communication means are elaborated

Follow up of communication processes is ensured

Regular online information on progress of learning region partnerships

http://www.adrbi.ro/!res/fls/lista-documentelor-gestionate-si-produse-de-adrbi.pdf

The communication strategy of the regional consortium of Bucharest Ilfov Region addresses  the need for regular information on current progress of learning region partnerships through a variety of activities including: progress reports (print and online), workshops and seminars, online newsletters etc.

An important role in this area has the Strategic Evaluation (CRESC). At the same time the Regional Development Council and Regional Council yearly reports offer a detailed view on specific areas of progress and needs for development.

The partnership has clear strategic direction and focus

Definition:

The partnership's strategic direction establishes intent and identity. It mobilizes key stakeholders towards activities that are consistent with its mission.

Strategic opportunities are idenified, based on analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threads

Partnership competencies are analysed, and reflected within strategy. Competency management in place.

Long-term goals are identified, which are challenging, building upon and stretching the partnership's core competencies, and draws from all levels of the network.

Abstract goals of partnership are transformed into a concrete mission with guiding principles for action

Goals of partnership are transformed into operational objectives 

North East Regional Development Plan

http://www.adrnordest.ro/index.php?page=REGIONAL_RDP&language=2

North-East RDP is made up of the regional socio economic analysis, SWOT analysis and regional strategy. The steps in the elaboration of the plan are including: collecting and centralising the statistical data, the socio-economic analysis of the data and information, designing SWOT analysis, identification of the key issues, formulating the general and specific objectives, defining priorities and related measures. In order to collect relevant data a wide range of organisations are consulted, both from public and private sector.

Nature of roles and responsibilites of partners is formally constituted

Roles and tasks of partners are allocated, and mutually agreed

Roles, tasks and responsibilities are allocated among partners in accordance with statutory rights and duties, legislative frameworks and regulatory schemes

Governance principles are formulated, and agreed by all partnership members

Responsibilities defined in the policy making agenda.

http://www.adrnordest.ro/index.php?page=PARTNERSHIPS_REGIONAL_STRUCTURE&language=2

See point on transparency.

Policy areas partnership seeks to address are clear

Framework of action is elaborated, which describes fields of activity in relation to European, national and local policy aims and objectives

See point:

Strategic documents and quantifiable targets shared

http://www.adroltenia.ro/index.php?id=7&sid=19#