About Us

The Partnering Initiative is an independent non-profit dedicated to unleashing the power of partnership for a prosperous and sustainable future.

TPI was founded with a passionate belief that only through collaboration across business, government, NGOs and the UN can we tackle the greatest development and business sustainability challenges.

For over a decade, TPI has been a leading pioneer in the development of the theory and practice of partnering by:

Supporting organisations from all sectors to partner effectively and strategically as well as directly supporting partnerships;
Building capacity with training, tools and publications;
Developing the infrastructure to scale up collaboration worldwide though our global impact programmes.

Philosophy and Approach

Working with a range of partners across all sectors of society, TPI has developed an holistic approach of integrated programmes and initiatives which aim to achieve the change required at five levels, from individuals to international policy. We work with all sectors to promote and develop effective collaboration, providing organisational development services, including strategic advice and partnership evaluation, as well as training and capacity building programmes which promote new standards of professional practice. Our toolbooks, case studies and research papers promote new standards of partnering practice and build practitioners skills and knowledge around the world. Read more

Why Work with TPI?

The Partnering Initiative was one of 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

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

Trustees and Advisory Board

Originally a partnership between the University of Cambridge and the International Business Leaders Forum, in October 2013 TPI became an independent not-for-profit organisation, registered in the UK as a charity. To ensure good governance, TPI has a Board of Trustees whose responsibilities include guaranteeing sound financial management; monitoring TPIs compliance with ethical and professional standards; and providing oversight of the organisation’s strategic direction. The Trustees meet regularly and work closely with the Executive Director to ensure that TPI’s resources are directed as effectively as possible to achieving the organisation’s stated aims.

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

Recommended organisations

		The Partnership Brokers Association The Partnership Brokers Association is the international professional body for those managing and developing collaboration processes. PBA’s vision is a more equitable and sustainable world through innovation, efficiency and excellence in multi-stakeholder collaboration. PBA’s mission is to promote understanding of, and build capacity for, partnership brokering as fundamental to achieving this vision.
		Collective Leadership Institute The Collective Leadership Insitute empowers people to lead collectively towards a sustainable future. CLI believe in collective leadership skills for sustainability and the capacity to dialogue – for jointly created solutions across sectors, institutions, nations und cultures.
		Global CAD CAD, the Centre of Partnerships for Development, is a global network of experts committed to human and sustainable development sharing the common belief that promoting partnerships is a necessity if we are to find innovative and durable solutions to global challenges.
		Thirdbridge Thirdbridge, a UK-based social enterprise, provides an online professional network helping to connect companies with NGOs and charities to support the development of shared value partnerships, and assist companies in managing their portfolio of community investment programmes.
		Dixon Partnering Solutions DIXON Partnering Solutions aims to help the business, government, community and education sectors work together more effectively. DIXON Partnering Solutions believe in positive effective partnering that ‘builds bridges’ between the sectors and is based on the presence of mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.
		The Partnerships Resource Centre The Partnerships Resource Centre is an open centre for academics, practitioners and students to create, retrieve and share knowledge on cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development. The Partnerships Resource Centre (PrC) is built up as an independent, flexible learning network, and carries out fundamental research, develops tools and knowledge-sharing protocols and delivers web-based learning modules and executive training
		think-cell is a presentation software that integrates with PowerPoint and Excel seamlessly to help visualize complex data using charts. think-cell has kindly sponsored The Partnering Initiative by making the software available to all our staff for free.