We Are Collaborative
Introduction
Ensuring and improving the safety and wellbeing of the public underpins all of our work. To achieve this most effectively, we need to look beyond our traditional boundaries to think about how to create the best possible outcomes.
We build genuine and long-lasting partnerships that focus on collective aims and not just on our own organisation. This goes beyond just working in teams and with colleagues we see daily. It includes building good relationships with other public and third sector providers, reaching out to private organisations and working with our communities and customers.
We aim to work effectively with colleagues and external partners, mutually sharing our skills, knowledge and insights with each other to achieve the best possible results for all and to reduce silo working. Our engagement seeks to not only deliver joint solutions but also to share appropriate information and negotiate new ways of providing services together. In all of our dealings with our partners, we make sure that they feel respected and valued.
Why is it important?
Demands on the police come from an increasingly diverse set of sources and the need for services is not defined by organisational and geographical boundaries. We must work together regardless of differing cultures, priorities and needs.
This means that we need to influence and negotiate in order to achieve outcomes for everyone and not just focus efforts on our own immediate environment. Working to solve problems without help from our partners ignores the strengths that we can utilise together, but working jointly requires the ability to build relationships and break down barriers.
It is critical for us to build and retain our partners’ trust and confidence in us and a key part of achieving this is through the way in which we work with others.
Level 1
- I work cooperatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleagues.
- I am approachable, and explain things well so that I generate a common understanding.
- I take the time to get to know others and their perspective in order to build rapport.
- I treat people with respect as individuals and address their specific needs and concerns.
- am open and transparent in my relationships with others.
- I ensure I am clear and appropriate in my communications.
Level 2
- I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions.
- I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve.
- I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support.
- I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives.
- I try to anticipate our partners’ needs and take action to address these.
- I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service.
- I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.
Level 3
- I am politically aware and I understand formal and informal politics at the national level and what this means for our partners. This allows me to create long-term links and work effectively within decision-making structures.
- I remove practical barriers to collaboration to enable others to take practical steps in building relationships outside the organisation and in other sectors (public, not for profit, and private).
- I take the lead in partnerships when appropriate and set the way in which partner organisations from all sectors interact with the police. This allows the police to play a major role in the delivery of services to communities.
- I create an environment where partnership working flourishes and creates tangible benefits for all.