This report was funded by HEFCE to assess three FE/HE partnerships constituted as consortia in 2001. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the main issues that confront consortia and how they might be recognised and improved in the future. The study was a mixture of qualitative and quantitative between June 2005 and June 2006

Little, if any, work had been undertaken on the effectiveness of partnerships (specifically consortia) and how they might present as more, or less, successful compared to other forms of partnership.

A major outcome and end-product of the project is a Guide for those considering entering into a partnership.  The Guide provides a starting point for those considering the elements of the establishment of a partnership and those looking for comparisons upon which to base a review of their own collaborative arrangements.

The report is supportive of consortia partnership arrangements and has identified the following key criteria as important in promoting successful partnership practices: the whole staff taking an interest in and an ownership of their role within the partnership; creating a culture of clear and open communication; communicating clearly with all staff involved in the consortium arrangement; recognising the time implications for staff in developing good practices; clear quality assurance responsibilities.

Some of the key recommendations from this research include firstly that HEFCE adopt ‘The Guide’ as an exemplar of good practice. Secondly that FE and HE staff consider the implications of running joint programmes in terms of the time needed and the opportunities offered for professional development. Thirdly it is recommended that the financial arrangements are made clear and monies distributed to allow all parties to gain benefit from them.

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