Sample 5 – Partnering Policy

CLO’s Partnering Policy

Advisory groups, reference groups and task forces

• CLO clearly distinguishes between Partnerships (in which CLO has formal obligations, roles and responsibilities) and Advisory groups, reference groups, task forces, etc.

• When CLO participates in advisory groups, reference groups, task forces, etc. there are no formal obligations placed on our organization. We are there only to give advice and feedback. CLO board and staff participate in advisory groups, reference groups, task forces, etc. based on their capacity to participate and the needs of our sector. No formal agreements or board permission are necessary to participate in advisory groups, reference groups, task forces, etc. since CLO is not formally bound nor does it have any legal obligations based upon its participation.

Partnerships

• Because partnerships place formal obligations and risks upon CLO, CLO enters into partnerships only if the conditions in this policy are met and the partnership fits CLO’s mission.

• CLO will not consider entering into partnerships without a formal business plan or a project proposal being prepared by the organization requesting a partnership with CLO.

• This documentation must be sent to CLO staff at least two weeks prior to a full CLO board meeting and must include information on the roles, responsibilities, goals, timeframes, project finances, financial compensation for CLO, project management strategy, staffing plans, etc.

• CLO will not enter into any partnerships if the project’s goals do not clearly fit with our mission statement and business plan.

• CLO will not enter into any partnerships unless it has both the board and staff capacity to effectively participate in the partnership.

• The organization requesting the partnership must develop a formal draft partnership agreement that clearly spells out roles, responsibilities, timelines, communication process, ­­­­staffing and finances. CLO will review and amend this agreement as appropriate and both organizations will formally sign this document before any partnership begins.

• High level communication is critical to the success of any partnership. The partner requesting the partnership must develop a plan for how it will share information with CLO for the duration of the partnership. This plan must be reviewed and approved by CLO.

• The organization requesting the partnership must have a sound track record in project management and organizational management.

• CLO’s “Partnership Checklist” will be filled out by CLO staff. If the risk is deemed to be low by staff after filling out the checklist, they may proceed with the partnership with board approval. However, if there is a low to high degree of risk (financial, reputation, capacity, etc.), then board approval would be needed.

• The partnering organization will provide CLO staff with update reports at mutually agreed upon time frames.

• If a partnership is deemed to be failing, the partnership agreement will be mutually reviewed to determine whether the principles are being adhered to. Based on this review, CLO board and staff will decide what action to take (remedial action or discontinue the partnership).

• The CLO board retains the right to dissolve a partnership if a partner is not adhering to the partnership agreement.