Research to assess the strength of relationships between 14-19 Networks, Young People's Partnerships and Youth Offending Teams

Section One

In section one we outline the context for the study, describing the role of 14-19 Networks, YPPs and YOTs, which we describe collectively as “partnerships”.

Section Two

In section two we describe the study’s methodology, which integrates findings from a literature review with a survey of YPPs, YOTs and 14-19 Partnerships and interviews with key stakeholders. The survey generated a 45% response rate from partnerships. Taken with the literature review and key stakeholder interviews, which included a strong focus upon Local Authorities where we did not receive a response to the survey from partnerships, it provides a strong evidential base for judging the strength of relationships across Wales.

Section Three

In section three we review the literature on collaborative work between partnerships. We find that although there are few reports that directly focus upon the strength of collaborative working between partnerships (i.e. inter-partnership working), there is a substantial body of literature examining collaborative working between the members of partnerships (i.e. intra-partnership working). Taken together, these studies indicate that although intra-partnership working is improving and there are examples of good practice across Wales, overall it remains weak. Key weaknesses include a lack of shared vision and weakness in information sharing and leadership.

Section Four

In section four we discuss findings from the survey and interviews. We find examples of good practice. We also find evidence that collaborative work between partnerships is likely to strengthen further. However, we also find evidence where collaboration is weak.

The evidence also suggests that collaborative work between 14-19 Networks and YOTs is often markedly weaker than the collaborative working between 14-19 Networks and YPPs and collaborative working between YOTs and YPP. For example, there is less evidence that 14-19 Networks and YOTs are sharing resources, fully understand each others agendas or undertake joint training. Some YOTs report that 14-19 Networks are too focused upon mainstream provision; sidelining many of the young people they work with. Some YPPs and YOTs also report that they are not able to attend 14-19 Network meetings at an operational level, where many of the decisions are being made.

Section Five

In section five we consider the evidence of the strengths and weakness of collaborative working between partnerships. We find that our survey and interviews broadly supports the conclusions of the literature, that is to say, partnership working is improving, and there are examples of good practice, but that more needs to be done. We also highlight some of the suggestions from partnerships about how inter-partnership collaboration could be strengthened.