The Partnering Initiative (TPI) was founded in 2003, with the passionate belief that only through collaboration among business, government, NGOs and the UN can we achieve the shared vision of a prosperous economy, thriving societies and a healthy environment.
With roots going back to 1990, TPI is the world’s longest-established organisation dedicated to multi-stakeholder partnering. It remains internationally recognised as a pioneer of the field and continues to combine cutting-edge partnering theory, with direct action globally to drive effective partnering.
TPI uniquely spans a spectrum from influence at the highest levels of international policy (including through our strong engagement with the United Nations system and international business organisations), through to drawing out learning and codifying practice from partnering managers on the frontline. TPI’s cutting-edge thinking, foundational concepts, frameworks and tools have helped to shape and define the field of multi-stakeholder partnering.
TPI’s tools and guidebooks on all aspects of partnering have been downloaded over 50,000 times and have been used as the basis for multiple organisations’ internal guidance. TPI has trained over 4,000 people in effective partnering both through open and tailored training courses. It has guided the development of six in-country partnership platforms, resulting in the creation of multiple partnerships around the world. It has supported organisations such as Unicef, World Vision, the World Food Programme, Care International, Ikea Group, to develop their partnering strategies and build their institutional capacity to partner. And it has developed policy pieces that have influenced the United Nations system and international donors in their engagement and support of partnering.
TPI’s work is guided by a UK-based core team, and delivered through a global network of associates and sister organisations based in over 20 countries.
TPI’s ambitious vision is a new era of systematic collaboration across sectors, from international down to community level, that can deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.
Impact framework
TPI has developed an holistic approach of integrated programmes and initiatives that together aim to make multi-stakeholder collaboration the ‘new normal’. TPI’s impact framework is based on the elements that need to be in place for partnering to be scaled up globally. These elements are:
- A supportive international and national policy in place to encourage the use of collaboration and, in the case of government, the regulations and legislation that allows governments to enter and support partnership approaches;
- An ‘infrastructure’ in place, including platforms in country, that can systematically convene the different societal sectors, ideate innovative approaches and broker collaboration;
- Partnerships are set up to follow best practice to maximise their chances of delivering impact;
- Organisations are ‘fit for partnering’ with the right leadership and strategy, systems and process, staff competencies and support, and the right culture in order to partner with excellence;
- Individuals have the right partnership competencies (the mindset, understanding of other sectors, human relationship skills and technical partnership knowledge) to be able to build effective partnerships.
TPI delivers towards all aspects of this framework, by building capacity and directly supporting organisations, partnerships, platforms and individuals around the world, and indirectly by helping to building the partnering support eco-system that can deliver these elements at scale.
Staff and Associates
TPI operates out of a central hub in the UK with a core staff working on project development, partner relations and communication. Our development projects, strategic consultancy and training services are delivered internationally through both core staff and a global network of highly experienced Associates. Together, the central hub and Associates interact in a dynamic collaborative relationship, providing pathways for knowledge, skill and thought exchange across sectors on a global scale. This unique pool of ideas and experience ensures that staff and Associates are always at the cutting edge of partnering theory and practice and TPI’s project partners and clients always have access to the best available knowledge and expertise. Read more
Why Work with TPI?
The Partnering Initiative was the first international organisations dedicated solely to supporting the global shift to working in partnership over the past two decades. The collective experience of its Staff and Associates gives it a unique position among institutions working in this field, and its success is reflected in the number and quality of the organisations from all societal sectors with which it has worked. TPI pioneered professional training for those working in cross-sector partnerships and continues to set a benchmark for training and development services to all sectors. Our publications have been read and used across the globe and the organisation remains committed both to translating its practical expertise into accessible toolbooks and manuals and to partnering with leading academic research bodies to further shared understanding of the partnership phenomenon. Read more
Apply to be a TPI Associate
Many of TPI’s services and projects are delivered with members of a global network of highly experienced Associates. We are currently looking to expand this network and opening up an application process for interested people with relevant experience who wish to join the network. For more information on our current associates please see our Staff and Associates page.
To find out more about TPI, or to apply to become a TPI associate, please contact us. Read more