Agenda item

The presentation sets out the background to the current Partnership Framework, establishes that Council officers are currently conducting a review, and poses a series of questions about the Framework for the Board’s consideration.

Contact:  Tom Whitehead, Policy and Partnership Officer 

Stephen Bonnell, Head of Policy and Partnerships, and Tom Whitehead, Policy and Partnerships Officer, presented the Partnership Framework review to the Board. Using the presentation slides, they outlined the purpose and structure of the Framework. The initial question posed was:

What is the Partnership Framework?

The information showed how existing partnership strategies contribute to the shared outcomes agreed across the system. It emphasised that these strategies are aligned with the overarching vision for Kirklees and are partnership-driven. The Board was informed that many of the outcomes can only be achieved through collaborative working and every organisation has a role in contributing to those outcomes.

The Partnership Framework consists of:

•       Vision

•       Shared Outcomes

•       Partnership Strategies

•       Setting out a high-level framework for collaboration and communicating about how we work together.

•       Primarily about collaboration between organisations (bilaterally and through partnership groups or programmes).

•       Every organisation has a role and impact on the vision, outcomes, and strategies.

How is the framework used?

The Board was informed that elements of the current Partnership Framework are used in areas of collective work, for example, the shared outcomes are embedded in the Health & Wellbeing Strategy.  The Framework helps to structure some strategic partnership conversations and demonstrates to external stakeholders (including funders) that there is a shared direction. 

The forthcoming multi-year funding agreement presents a timely opportunity for a strategic refresh. Key strategies such as the Health and Wellbeing Strategy require reassessment as much of the existing content is now outdated. This comes at a time of significant transition for the Council and its partners, including the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), both of which are navigating national policy changes.

In this context, effective partnership working is more important than ever. A key theme emerging from the recent Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge was a strong desire from partners to work more closely and strategically with the Council, and for the Council to adopt a longer-term, forward-looking approach.

In terms of the engagement plan:

-       Phase One – June to August 2025, gathering views internally and from partners. Seeking reflections on the current framework from partners; with opportunity to provide further feedback by email or one to one conversations by request

-       Phase Two – August 2025 to March 2026, finalising and agreeing a revised framework.  Using material gathered over the summer, designing and seeking further feedback to finalise a revised Framework, with final engagement through the Picture of Kirklees.

-       Adoption of the framework by March 2026.

The Board was informed that the starting assumption is the Partnership Framework, and its elements are not fundamentally problematic, however it is important to reflect on whether it should be iterated to address the current context and challenges. 

The core ambitions remain relevant and widely supported. There is, however, a need to review whether the language remains current, whether any elements are missing, and whether the framework could be rationalised and made more focused. It is also important to ensure that the Partnership Framework continues to reflect the evolving context and priorities of the Council and its partners.

In respect of the current four top tier partnership strategies which include, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Environment Strategy, Inclusive Communities Framework and the Inclusive Economic Strategy, the Board was asked to consider the following:

-       Are there gaps in strategic coordination? 

-       Are there things we should be focusing on collectively that we're not?

-       Where are we already good at strategic coordination and where do we need to strengthen it?

-       What could the alternative look like to the four Partnership Strategies?

The Board was asked to provide feedback on the partnership framework review.

RESOLVED:

That:

Stephen Bonnell and Tim Whitehead be thanked for presenting the review of the Kirklees Partnership Framework

Board members provide feedback as part of the Kirklees Partnership Framework review by the 5^th September 2025.