Betwixt & Between

Action Enquiry

• A review of the Start Network case studies

  Abstract: In 2013, the Start Network (formerly the Consortium of British Humanitarian Agencies) commissioned a series of case studies to document its emerging experience as a “humanitarian system change...
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• The value of reflective practice for partnership brokers

  Abstract: Reflective practice is the primary component of the Partnership Brokers Associations (PBA)’s Accreditation Programme, where during the four-month mentored period, partnership brokers are required...
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• Exploring partnership culture – the partnership broker’s role

  Abstract: A multi-stakeholder partnership brings together people with different skills, outlooks and personalities from sometimes dramatically different organisational and social cultures. This influences...
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• Increasing reach and impact of partnership brokers through training

  Abstract: The Partnership Brokers Association (PBA) is the only entity running a unique international professional training programme for brokers, promoting partnership brokering and supporting a sizeable...
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• New mechanisms for brokering collaboration: the emergence of partnership brokering units and organisations

  Abstract: This paper explores the interesting phenomenon of units or organisations that have been developed with a specific and recognisable partnership brokering remit – even if that term is not explicitly...
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• The role of partnership brokers in building a sense of ownership

  Abstract: ‘A sense of ownership’ is a common expression in the partnership brokering world. Partnership brokers may question to what extent the partners, and hence the success of the partnership,...
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• Progressive review and evaluation as a trust building mechanism in partnerships

  Abstract:  When individuals and partners baulk at the thought of being evaluated, they may have formed an expectation that the proposed ‘review and evaluation’ is masquerading as an exercise in criticism...
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• Evaluating Partnership Broker Approach: A methodological perspective

  Abstract:  There is increasing interest in generating substantive evidence of the impact that brokered partnerships have on the outcomes of multi-stakeholder partnerships. Evaluations of partnership broker...
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• Employment & social inclusion partnerships in Europe

  Adding Value: The broker role in partnerships for employment and social inclusion in Europe Abstract: In Europe, the “partnership principle” is promoted as a policy instrument for improving employment...
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• Intermediary Mechanisms in Humanitarian Collaboration

  Abstract: This article is based on the findings of a research study and report on the role of 15 intermediary mechanisms- ‘platforms’[1]- and how they promote and foster private sector collaboration...
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• A Local Content partnership in Nigeria

  Fostering harmonious oil company and ethnic host community co-existence through a local content partnership in the Niger Delta. Abstract: Social and civic conflict in the Niger Delta around the distribution...
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Stories from the front line

• Learning to work differently: A scientist’s reflection on acting as a broker for food systems innovation

  Abstract: In 2012, the Food Systems Innovation (FSI) initiative was set up between four Australian organisations working to improve the impact of agriculture and food security programs in the Indo-Pacific...
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• Brokering food security: Connecting smallholder farmers to markets in Poland and Zambia

  Abstract: Partnership brokering is needed to work out new ways of organising food systems that treat agricultural smallholders as a resource and opportunity rather than a problem or distraction. This...
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• Managing conflict in partnerships– lessons from the private construction sector

  Abstract: Partnerships between International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are typically unsuccessful, often due to an inability to manage conflicts...
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• Brokering shorter food supply chains

  Abstract: How can we meet the growing demand from consumers who want lower cost, quality and tasty food and want to know where it comes from and how it is produced? One solution is to cut out intermediaries...
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• Brokering in fast-moving partnerships: a Digital Promise case study

  Abstract: This paper examines strategies for partnership brokering among small, fast-moving organisations where partnerships are crucial but the broker is required to skip or streamline some of the steps...
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• Working with development giants – a broker’s dilemma

  Abstract: In 2009, ZOA, the international non-governmental organisation founded in The Netherlands, teamed up with Care Netherlands, Save the Children Netherlands and HealthNet TPO to set up the Dutch...
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• Passing on the mantle of humanitarian collaboration across generations

  Abstract: It is often said that we are influenced and inspired by others who demonstrate through their actions and values of what is humanly possible. In this article, the author reflects on the contribution...
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• Developing a soft humanitarian field - improving doing and being through creative partnership brokering

  Abstract: Meaningful humanitarian work today requires improving practitioners’ capacities to operate (do) and to be present (be). There is a side to their work which complements the more traditional...
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• Supporting civilian protection as humanitarian action – a brokering experience from the DRC

  Abstract: In the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the civilian population has been suffering repeated violations of human rights over the past 20 years. Interventions such as from the United...
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• Value for money in partnerships – a challenge to partnership brokers

  Abstract: The use of multi-stakeholder approaches as a means of delivering international development commitments is growing. As development organisations work together to address ever more complex...
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• Lessons from the frontline of Humanitarian and Technology Company Partnerships

  Abstract: The widespread use of mobile technology and access to Internet by disaster affected communities creates significant challenges and opportunities for the humanitarian system. Many humanitarian...
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• Brokering a 2 Way Learning Partnership

  Abstract: Knowing when to seek assistance and engage external support in a partnership is not easy. Just how this support may best be utilised and work with an organisation’s internal brokers can be...
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• Partnership Brokers as Leaders

  Abstract: Leadership needs to be a critical focus for partnership brokers as they work to gain insight and inspiration about effective ways to increase their contribution. Just as they may adopt a number...
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• Brokering long-term partnerships - a cross-border approach based on a Romanian experience

  Abstract: Partnerships are complex and we can argue that like many other human relationships depend as much on the attributes, characteristics and accomplishments of the partners as they do on the processes...
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• Making it better: The Partnership Broker’s Role in Review and Evaluation

  Abstract: Reflecting the growing interest in understanding the role of partnership brokers, the author reports on the outcome of a PBA organized workshop where a group of partnership brokers gathered...
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