Professionalism and integrity in brokering multi-sector partnerships for sustainable development

Strategic alliances between business, government and civil society are a growing feature of both developed and emerging economies. Such multi-sector partnerships are necessary because it is increasingly clear that no one sector in society can deliver the goals of sustainable development alone.

The Partnership Brokers Accreditation Scheme (PBAS) was established in 2003 in recognition of the complexity of brokering partnerships. It is now solely run by The Partnering Initiative. The Scheme is in 3 stages:

    * Level 1: Skills development during a 5 day residential course
    * Level 2: Candiates who pass Level 1 are invited to apply for Level 2. This is a three-month period of professional practice including the submission of a detailed Logbook, a record of brokering activity, and a final essay of learnings on the personal brokering journey. Successful completion of Level 2 leads to accreditation
    * Level 3: Outstanding candidates are eligible to apply for a further qualification - this is in the form of a dissertation covering either a new brokering innovation or a detailed analysis of one aspect of brokering practice. We are currently seeking an academic partner to be able to offer this as a Masters-level certificate.

Written work is assessed by internal and external examiners. Those who successfully complete Levels 1 and 2 of the Scheme and all elements of assessed work are awarded accreditation.

PBAS combines aspects of training that we believe are fundamental to effective learning in this field: participating cross-sectorally, changing the learning environment (presentations, discussions, role plays), and promoting the skill of reflective practice.

Over 300 partnership practitioners have taken part, in 24 cohorts. Here are just a few comments from participants:

"The programme was comprehensive and covered all the areas I wanted and needed to know about.
There was a lot of information to process and I liked the fact that this information came from actual
experience."
Cohort 1 participant.

“The programme gave the pre-reading advice a ‘soul’ and gave us explanations to what we read,
verbally with clarity and understanding. The delivery was precise and to the point. An excellent
experience. I have a clear picture of the entire process and my role for the rest of my life both
professionally and personally."
Cohort 11 participant.

"On reflecting since my return to work, I realised how inspiring and enjoyable I found the whole
 course; the content, the mix of people with such varied experience… and I find myself using
 some of my new-found skills and knowledge already."
Cohort 12 participant.

"What absolutely fantastic training. The best professional development I have ever done, and
 worth every cent."
Cohort 16 participant.

For more information on the Partnership Brokers Accreditation Scheme click here