In 2003 the International Business Leaders Forum in collaboration with the UK’s Overseas Development Institute established the Partnership Brokers Accreditation Scheme (PBAS).
The aims of this initiative were twofold:
- To create a new profession – that of ‘partnership broker’ to ensure that multi-stakeholder partnerships achieve their ambitious goals;
- To create professionalism and integrity – by ensuring that those operating as partnership brokers work to the highest possible standards.
The training programme has proved very popular – with an increase year on year in the number of cohorts being run to respond to rising international demand.
Partnership Brokers Training
The heart of the programme is the foundation course (‘Level 1’). This is a 4 / 5-day intensive face-to-face training (usually residential) with a focus on deepening understanding of the changing nature of the brokering role during a partnership cycle and building key brokering skills.
Partnership Brokers Training Level 1 is available to different interest groups, tailored to the needs of specific partnerships or organisations and is offered in an increasing number of locations. To discuss this option please contact us.
The course is also designed to build a sense of professionalism and of reflective practice.
GTZ & Nabard Bank Level 1 - Goa prior to starting a large public private partnership project on natural resources
“ I completed Partnership Brokers Training raring to go! The course made a big difference to my sense of being a ‘professional broker’ with the right skill sets, knowledge and sense of purpose. My colleagues and the partners I work with noticed the difference and I have found myself facilitating meetings and coaching others in a way I could not have imagined before. This feels like hugely important work and I am excited to feel part of a network of like-minded people all dedicated to brokering partnerships as well as we can in whatever circumstances we find ourselves”
Partnership Brokers Training graduate
The course is taught by trainers who are highly experienced accredited partnership brokers – typically having graduated at distinction level. Training takes place with a 1:8/10 trainer: trainee ratio . Most coursework takes place in small working groups and is practical and experiential in style. Participants are expected to follow and complete a Course Work Book during the training.
Partnership Brokers Training is only open to individuals that have partnership experience and are operating in some form of partnership brokering role. The course is not formally assessed, but participants need to have been deemed suitable by their tutors in order to be accepted on to the Accreditation scheme.
Those who complete the course report a considerable increase in their:
- understanding of the role;
- key competencies;
- capacity to reflect on their professional practice and
- confidence in brokering even quite challenging partnerships.
More details about the options and the course programme
