Common Purpose United Kingdom | Company Information | Participants/Alumni
Collabs (Collaboration Laboratories) are hands-on workshops designed for organisations and partnerships that need to do more with less. Participants are tasked with representing real-life organisations involved in issues relevant to their work and community, and challenged to negotiate partnerships to develop collaborative solutions. With the aid of a diverse mix of cross-sector advisors, Collabs take participants beyond their current role to develop the collaborative leadership skills needed to work across departments, organisations, sectors and society.
Collabs are ideal for organisations or partnerships that are looking to:
Read the independent evaluation report of Collab conducted by The London Centre for Leadership in Learning (LCLL)
"At a time of budget cuts and low morale it is even more important to have clear direction and a shared understanding of the priorities. The Collab event got us to the point that we had a clear mandate on our key priorities going forward. It also helped to raise levels of trust between the participants representing many different interests so they can work together more efficiently and effectively. Common Purpose listened to what we needed and were flexible in incorporating our priorities into a coherent process. Not only did we come away with a shared sense of direction, we also established a context in which people could build relationships on the basis of mutual understanding."
Anna Wright, Director of Education & Children's Services, Reading Borough Council
In 2011 The London Centre for Leadership in Learning (LCLL) conducted an evaluation report on Collab courses piloted with Children's Services in the UK.
"The Children's Services Collab in Hastings was the most successful event on partnership we have had here. It was a very powerful process because we didn't just talk about it, we had to negotiate from a different viewpoint and it moved us on. I would recommend the Collab to other areas."
Penny Gaunt, Deputy Director of Children's Services, East Sussex County Council
Participants work in groups to tackle a specific theme or issue that requires working in partnership. They'll meet and question advisors who have real life experience of the theme and varied views on the subject. Participants often have their own expertise, but may be asked to explore the issue from an angle different to their day to day role to consider alternate perspectives.
Throughout the day participants take part in negotiations and reflective exercises, both to tackle the issue presented and to examine their experience and how they can make use of it in their working life.
Collabs have been tried and tested by Common Purpose to closely reflect reality; calling for collaboration across multiple boundaries. They are designed to sharpen understanding of the partnership process and give insight into the realities faced by different organisations.
"I chose Common Purpose because of their ability to understand our needs and their creativity in developing a programme. They delivered with professionalism and flexibility, impressing all of the very varied attendees. The day has been memorable and is frequently referred to in future partnership building events."
Denise McLellan, Chief Executive, Walsall PCT
Collabs can be run in any location across the UK for 1 or 2 days. When designing your Collab workshop we will consider the:
Collabs start at just £9,100* for a full day for up to 50 people (about £200 per person). Cost may vary for groups larger than 50 participants or when added customisation is required.
*venue and catering not included
For more information or to book a Collab, email collab@commonpurpose.org or contact your local Common Purpose office.
