1. Welcome to a 1-day course “Effective Southern Partnerships” 28 th February 2011 NIDOS Training Programme Edinburgh www.nidos.org.uk

12. Overcoming common pitfalls… Common Problems Possible solutions Capacity mismatch (i.e. partners have different skills and are different in size) Carry out a good assessment prior to establishing a partnership with any NGO/CBO. Both or one NGO(s) doesn’t live up to expectations Ensure all roles/resp are documented clearly, e.g. in a MoU. Enter into short-term agreements (which are renewable). Cross-cultural issues cause misunderstanding Have a ‘partnership approach’ to working, e.g. be open, communicate clearly (in writing) and visit where feasible. Funding processes can dominate and inform decision-making, etc. Be transparent. Ensure funding processes are clear and financial information is available to all (in the long-term).

13. More common pitfalls… Common Problems Possible solutions N-NGOs take a functional view of working with partners, i.e. partnership with S-NGO is a means for the N-NGO to achieve its own organisational aims. Ensure the benefits to the S-Partner are clearly documented (in a MoU).

37. www.nidos.org.uk Contact details: Jill Gentle Independent Consultant Specialising in project management, participatory methodologies and community development [email_address] 07773 016356