Can we learn from the EU?

During my conversations about how music education hubs are developing, the meaning of partnerships has often arisen. Sometimes it is a very positive story with win/win benefits for everyone concerned. Others complain that they have heard nothing since agreeing to their name being included on the application form – it is partnership in name only.

Will partners be prepared to sign up to partnership in the next round of submissions?

How are we maintaining and developing our partnerships?

Has the partnership been meaningful and worthwhile?

Has the partnership been valued by all concerned?

If colleagues have not considered these issues because they have been busy with other matters, now is probably a good time to start thinking about them again and pushing them up the ‘to do’ list.

In April 2011 I produced a research report entitled ‘Effective Partnership Working in Music Education’. This is available at: http://www.dickhallam.co.uk/articles-publications-and-reports.php in case it is of assistance to anyone.

However, I have recently become more involved with the EU bureaucracy as the lead on behalf of Sistema England as a ‘co-organiser’ for one grant and ‘co-ordinator’ of another. It made me wonder whether there is something in the EU model that may be helpful for some colleagues.

The ‘co-ordinator’ (lead organisation for a music education hub?) is responsible and accountable for the grant.

The ‘co-organisers’ (of whom there must be at least two) are those who contribute to and benefit from the funding (some of your partners?). There is a formal, signed agreement between these partners. Amounts of funds are agreed and the responsibilities of each of the co-organisers are agreed. The co-organisers receive part of the money up front, but only receive the balance on successful completion of all tasks, including providing any agreed data and evaluations.

In addition there is any number of Associate Partners (more of your partners?). These are organisations that benefit from the grant and can participate in activities etc. But they have no formal responsibilities and do not receive any direct funding.

Many (most?) colleagues have systems and strategies in place that are working well. But some of you may still be looking for possible solutions. If any of this might be of assistance do feel free to contact me. And good luck with year two of hubs.