While TPI is far from alone in championing collaboration, our approach, our history and the way we work make us unique.

An holistic, multi-level approach

TPI’s goal is to scale up effective multi-sector collaboration globally. A systemic shift of this kind requires an holistic, integrated approach at multiple levels: building personal and institutional capacities, norms and standards for partnerships, an enabling platform ‘infrastructure’ and a supportive environment (awareness, policy, trust, funding modalities etc.). While other organisations may deliver at one or two of these levels, TPI is unique in its whole system approach.

Thought and practice leadership

Through our research and original thinking, we have pioneered and codified partnering practice for over two decades and are continuously working at the cutting-edge. For example, we developed the concept of the need for organisations to be institutionally  ‘Fit for Partnering’ and our frameworks and approach are being used by UN agencies, international NGOs, foundations and multi-national companies to raise their game.

“The four pillars [of Fit for Partnering] have been an inspiration to structure our partnership management; our internal website on partnership management builds on it; the “partnering culture” values are regularly transferred to other colleagues and in our internal counselling on how to build meaningful partnerships (operative level, strategic level)” 

Through many years of working with governments, the United Nations, NGOs and business, TPI has extensive experience and connections with all societal sectors. Our policy work with the UN and international business organisations means that we are regular invitees to the ‘top table’, speaking on major panels, speaking at global forums and invited to judge international competitions.

Strongly networked and influential

Through many years of working with governments, the United Nations, NGOs and business, TPI has extensive experience and connections with all societal sectors. Our policy work with the UN, the OECD and international business organisations means that we are regular invitees to the ‘top table’, speaking on major panels, speaking at global forums (including representing the private sector at the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation) and invited to judge international competitions. Major programmes such as the Partnership Accelerator and our Foundations Programme mean we are well connected and have influence with many governments and many foundations.

Evidence-based and pragmatic

TPI develops theory and implements practice in tandem. By drawing out learning from on-the-ground implementation and the coal-face experiences of our clients and partners, we are able to develop new, up to the minute theory. Because our work is based on what works in practice, what we produce is highly pragmatic and implementable.

Opensourced and movement generous

We are committed to sharing our work and making our learning open source, for the common good. We endorse adoption and application of our ideas, language and approaches, with or without our direct involvement.

Examples where TPI methodology is being used include:

• a land governance learning journey toolbox the Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• a power analysis tool by Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation for the World Food Programme
• a mindmap to understand SDG integration within an industrial value chain by World Vision.
• thinking and strategy behind UN-led collaboration hubs in South Africa and Mexico.

“The generosity of spirit, resources and ideas. TPI works from an abundance, rather than scarcity, mindset and approach, which draws people and organizations.” 

An engaging style of collaboration

We aim to embody partnering principles in our way of working. We have a belief in the power of partnering that informs all that we do – it is not just lip service. Our partners tell us we are easy to work with, adaptable, expert and strong on facilitation.

“I really enjoyed working with everybody at TPI, I think everybody is just really wonderful to work with: collaborative, professional, skilled.”

Track record of experience and expertise

The depth and longevity of our partnering experience in so many different contexts gives us credibility and a very long track record of material and experiences do draw on.

Our expert team and Associates are highly experienced partnership practitioners, with long track records of developing the latest theory and supporting effective partnering practice.

“TPI’s strength is obviously they have the very strong theory around partnership effectiveness… You can see their work reflected and incorporated into many other places… they are the leader in that by some way”