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Partnership Assessment


Understanding partnership dynamics to strengthen system-wide collaboration.

Leaders and practitioners at every level in health, social care, ICSs, ICBs, the voluntary sector and many other public service settings face considerable challenges as they strive to integrate services successfully. It’s increasingly clear that the transformational change needed will depend on the ability of organisations and teams to work together across boundaries.

With people coming together from organisations with differing cultures, values, systems, structures and processes, this  way of working brings its own challenges. Not least in dealing with a myriad of new relationships, networks and competing expectations.

That’s where our Partnership Assessment Tool (PAT) can help.  

It’s an evidence-based diagnostic designed to explore how people feel about their partnership and the quality of work relationships between partnership members – what is working well and the areas that need to change. 

Whether you’re an ICB with a system-wide focus or smaller group of teams or organisations working together towards a shared vision, perhaps at neighbourhood or place level, we provide informed and empowering support to fundamentally strengthen partnership working across boundaries.

Why start with a partnership assessment?

The PAT is designed to help you take that all-important first step: understanding how the cross-boundary relationships within your partnership feel and work in practice by hearing the views and perceptions of your partners.

What might you be looking for?

  • A clearer picture of how relationships between partners  feel on the ground. 
  • A way to spot what’s working well – and where things might need attention. 
  • A starting point for improvement that’s rooted in real experiences.
  • An opportunity to focus on creating a sense of trust, stability and continuity in partnership relationships for the benefit of the well-being of citizens and communities in your area.

What might be your concerns?

  • “What if we uncover things we’re not ready for?” 
  • “Will people feel safe to speak honestly?” 
  • “Do we have the time and capacity to act on what we learn?” 
These are valid questions.

That’s why the PAT is designed to be supportive, completely confidential and evidence-based. It gives you a snapshot – not a judgement – and helps you move forward.

It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about starting with insight – so you can begin the right conversations, in the right way.

Discover the Partnership Assessment Tool

The Partnership Assessment Tool (PAT) is a fast, reliable way to understand the working relationships between the organisations within your partnership. It evaluates ten key dimensions known to influence partnership working:

  • Vision & values
  • Roles & teamwork
  • Contact
  • Long term commitment
  • Conflict
  • Mutual support
  • Trust
  • Innovation
  • Compassion
  • Equality, diversity & inclusion

Each assessment is anonymous and confidential, encouraging honest feedback and enabling meaningful insights. Results are analysed and presented in a detailed report — giving you a clear foundation for action. Our Partnership Assessment typically takes around three months from start to finish.

Why partner with us?

Evidence-based insight

Built on over 20 years of research by Professor Michael West and colleagues, the PAT provides a robust foundation for culture change. 

Tailored for all shapes and sizes

Designed specifically for health and care multi-organisation settings, with versions for both large systems and smaller partnerships.

Snapshot or comparative analysis

Gain a clear snapshot of your current partnership culture, track progress over time and compare across services or locations. 

Want to explore how the PAT could support your partnership?

Real impact. Trusted by health and care leaders.

“We have made important progress in advancing our understanding of the considerable challenges faced by pioneering partnerships and collaboratives. This work is, quite simply, vitally important as we seek to promote the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve now and in the future.”

Professor Michael West, AOD Research Advisory Group

“The Partnership Assessment Tool proved to be a powerful catalyst for meaningful conversation and reflection for the team. It draws on each member’s unique perspective of cross-organisational collaboration – making it especially effective for diverse, multidisciplinary groups.”

    Ready to take the first step?

    Drop us a line – we’re here to help.