Multi-Agency Partnership Award Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Multi-Agency Partnership Award appropriate for our setting or service?
Yes. The Multi-Agency Partnership Award is appropriate to use in a range of educational settings such as children’s centres, early years settings, maintained and independent mainstream and special primary, secondary and all age schools, academies, free schools, PRUs, FE colleges and children’s services.

What aspects of multi-agency integrated working does the award cover?
The Multi-Agency Partnership Award offers a robust self-review and evidence gathering framework covering nine aspects of multi-agency integrated working that meet the national common core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce.  These include:

1. Policy, procedures and legal responsibilities
2. The working environment
3. Leadership and management
4. Communication and information sharing
5. Inter-professional relationships and roles
6. Team working
7. Resources
8. Working with service users/clients
9. Professional learning

Each aspect has a series of descriptors which enable those leading multi-agency partnership working to gather the appropriate evidence in order to build a portfolio.

What evidence will we need to collect?
You will need to gather a range of evidence to meet all nine aspects of multi-agency partnership working.  Only one or two pieces of evidence are required per descriptor.  This evidence will highlight significant good practice and can include: photographs; multi-media evidence on a pen-drive, DVD or CD; key documentation, some of which can be signposted to the organisation or services website; and data from any key stakeholder surveys.

How long does it take to work towards achieving the award?
There is no imposed set timescale.  The organisation or service decides how long to take in working towards achieving the award.  The process usually takes a year, although it can be tailored to suit the context and circumstances of the setting or service.

Will the award process involve extra work?
No. Educational Consultancy & Management (ECM) Solutions has ensured the self-evaluation and evidence gathering process is manageable as part of everyday multi-agency integrated working practice, thereby reducing bureaucracy and keeping paperwork to the minimum.

Will the Multi-Agency Partnership Award contribute evidence for external accountability?
Yes. The Multi-Agency Partnership Award provides quantitative and qualitative ‘real’ telling evidence of the effectiveness and impact of collaborative working on improving children and young people’s learning and well-being outcomes.

What support will an educational setting or service receive throughout the award process?
The publication entitled ‘Developing and Evaluating Multi-agency Partnerships. A practical toolkit for schools and children’s centre managers’ is the essential handbook providing the self-evaluation framework and guidance for compiling the Multi-Agency Partnership Portfolio of Evidence.  You will receive an initial visit and an interim review of progress which can be virtual or face-to-face.  A consultant from Educational Consultancy & Management (ECM) Solutions will provide email and telephone support throughout the process.

Where can you purchase a copy of the handbook from:
You can obtain a copy of the book from Routledge by visiting: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415556583
You can also download the audit, action plan template and evidence gathering resources from the same website address.

What does the final external assessment entail?
The external assessment process comprises of an off-site assessment of the Multi-Agency Partnership Portfolio of Evidence (of which there should be no more than two folders), followed by an on-site assessment to observe multi-agency partnership working in practice, and meet with a range of key stakeholders to hear about successful collaborative working first hand.

What is the outcome following a successful external assessment?
When all nine aspects of multi-agency partnership working have been met a final written report of findings from the external assessment will be produced.  A Multi-Agency Partnership Award glass plaque, framed certificate and a digital logo are awarded.

How long is the Multi-Agency Partnership Award valid for?
The Multi-Agency Partnership Award is valid for three years, and is renewable after this period for a further three years, following reassessment.

How can an educational setting or children’s service register their interest in the award?
If you wish to register for the Multi-Agency Partnership Award please go to the ‘Contact Us’ page on the website and use the secure online enquiry form.  Alternatively, you may wish to speak to a consultant direct on 07857 605645.

The recent high level of interest in this new award has resulted in places on the scheme filling up very quickly.  Thus, to avoid any disappointment, please register as soon as possible.

Educational Consultancy & Management (ECM) Solutions looks forward to hearing from you and working with you in the near future.