Level 1: Getting Organised

The partnership activity that exists relates to specific projects or funding streams. The first stage of building a Learning City Partnership involves the development of individual partnerships into a permanent and dynamic model which will represent the whole community and not be specific to the education and training sector. This requires a strategic vision and a bold approach. Cities which have embraced such ideas feel that education and training - "learning" - has become a key part of a whole community approach to development.

Ideas for Action

To start the partnership, try to locate individuals who have significant roles within their organisation but who will make the partnership a priority activity.

Have a clear idea about the initial scope of the initiative and the key players who must be involved.

Try to identify a core of people who are used to working in partnership and have been successful in partnership activity.

Make it clear that initial discussion may end in rejection of the idea of developing a joint initiative and that this is an acceptable option.

Make the issue of wider membership/consultation an early item for discussion.

If a leader or patron is sought, give thought to the advantages of local leadership and commitment and the alternative of outside, impartial expertise.

Consider joint action in some specific areas at an early stage.

Pitfalls and Perils

Those who feel they should be directly involved, but who are not, can be dangerous saboteurs. It may be better to involve difficult elements early on.

Avoid creating an education/training ghetto. Make some outside connections early on.

Essential

Identify someone who will carry the partnership forward, preferably a relatively neutral player.

Assessing Progress in Stage One

Have decisions been made as to the initial scope of the initiative? e.g. education and training only; across departments in local authority.

Has the partnership got the key players necessary for the initial stages of the initiative? e.g. local authority, TEC/LEC, providers from different sectors, employers.

Is there an identified co-ordinator?

Is there commitment at high level within the community?

How is such commitment demonstrated?

Has the partnership made a commitment to move on from open-ended discussion of the learning city as a possibility?

Who is missing and how will the partnership expand without becoming unwieldy?

Facts and Figures

At this stage there is a need to be aware of, and collect the facts and figures which demonstrate the need for such an initiative and the areas where improvement might be hoped for.

Employment/unemployment rates and details about the social structure of the community and skill levels may be useful.

Providers may give indications of enrolment patterns and levels of learning support needed.

The emerging partnership might also begin to assess what data is being collected locally and by which organisation.