Develop and Cultivate Ministry Relationships

The student is required to address the following issues and provide evidence of competency in the following areas

1. Identify networking and collaboration needs and opportunities

• 1.1 Evaluate the ways in which individual and organisation performance may be improved through collaboration
• 1.2 Identify and prioritise organisation and individual needs
• 1.3 Identify gaps in networks and collaborative practice and identify required action to fill the gap

2. Develop collaboration strategies

• 2.1 Gather and review information about relevant services, organisations and key people
• 2.2 Pro-actively initiate relationships with other inter and intra-sectoral professionals and organisations
• 2.3 Share information and resources, where possible, with other organisations to overcome duplication in service delivery
• 2.4 Maintain currency and accessibility of information
• 2.5 Define and document the type and level of collaboration, and negotiate with the relevant people

3. Work collaboratively

• 3.1 Identify opportunities that meet client, personal and organisation goals
• 3.2 Plan and implement integrated projects and service delivery
• 3.3 Liaise with staff from relevant organisations on a formal and informal basis

4. Represent the organisation

• 4.1 Promote a positive image of the organisation at available opportunities
• 4.2 Communicate issues, policies and practices of the organisation in appropriate formats
• 4.3 Implement confidentiality measures that protect client, organisation and network

5. Maintain and enhance networks and collaborative partnerships

• 5.1 Maintain networks and other work relationships to provide identifiable benefits for clients and the organisation
• 5.2 Improve and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
• 5.3 Monitor benefits to workers, organisations and client groups in ongoing participation
• 5.4 Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of collaborations and make recommendations for action

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

• developed strategies for networking and collaboration for at least 1 organisation
• worked collaboratively with external individuals or groups in at least 3 different service delivery situations

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate the essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

• legal and ethical considerations for collaborative practice, including:
  • copyright and intellectual property
  • privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
• principles of networking and collaboration
• different types of networks and collaboration:
  • organisational
  • individual
  • virtual
  • formal/informal
• benefits of networking and collaboration:
  • for clients
  • for the organisation
  • for the worker
• values, limitations and dynamics of networks and collaborative partnerships
• industry structure and interrelationships between different organisations, both public and private
• established networks in the relevant areas of work:
  • structure
  • key stakeholders
  • vision and purpose
  • opportunities for participation