Positive behaviour is the key to partnership working and whilst recognising that building these kind of behaviours takes time and turnover of staff can increase the challenge, attendees at the event had some thoughts on how this can be achieved:
- Define the behaviours expected and be clear in communicating them
- Challenge poor practice and behaviours
- Agree expectations e.g. Chatham House rules, be clear about levels of confidentiality and wider circulation of information
- Invest time and effort (joint training on behaviours, time-out sessions, workshops)
- Informal engagement between meetings helps to build trust and ensure no surprises
- Joint chairs should lead by example
- Representatives need to take personal responsibility for their behaviours and demonstrate positive behaviours within the group.