Last week councillors and council officers from across the UK came together for a workshop focussing on getting the most from our international work. In times of cuts and reform, it is even more important that every aspect of our international work delivers impacts for our communities at home and overseas.

Delegates particpated in a day of intensive workshops, focussing on partnership working, project planning & accessing resources and project delivery.

Resources summarising the workshop outcomes will be made available shortly. In the meantime, the main issues arising and presentations from each of the workshops can be found below:

Workshop 1: Partnerships; Managing expectations and perceptions

• Policies and procedures must be in place before you enter into an international partnership. this include protocols on travel.
• International officers or those managing the partnership must be culturally aware. Ensure that there is support for officers who are delivering the project. DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS.
• Make sure that you liaise with the FCO and follow their travel advice. Make the most of your diplomatic contacts, visit the High Commission, get on their radar.

Presentation - International Partnerships: Managing Expectations & Perceptions

Getting the most out of Partnerships - resources created by workshop participants

These resources have also been added to the wiki in the Community of Practice for you to make your own edits/add your comments.

Workshop 2: Planning; project planning and developing funding applications

• Political will is vital
• Make sure that you are clear on what you are trying to achieve.
• Think about resources as a whole, not just money. There may be partners with particular skills, networks that are unable to offer money, but can still bring huge value to the project.

Presentation - Project Planning and Accessing Resources

Possible sources of funding - handout

Logical framework template

Workshop 3: Delivery; Project management in an international context

• Maintain political and managerial support - keep the relevant people informed.
• Maintain momentum in of delivery - good communications, relationship management, escalate problems where appropriate.
• Administrative and logistical procedures - including health and safety, travel arrangements, maintaining diplomatic support and ensuring relevant reporting.

Presentation - Project delivery in an international context