Healthy University-CSO Partnerships
Professor David Wolff provided a deeper exploration of themes discussed in his sub-plenary overview.
Partnerships in 'We Value'
Gemma Burford of the ESDinds team reflected on the nature of 'participation' in research or evaluation processes, noting that two separate dimensions can be considered: the breadth of participation (the number and diversity of people involved), and the depth (the extent of their ownership and control over decision-making). Recent research has shown that the people who gain most benefit from a project evaluation are those who participate most deeply, i.e. those with the greatest control over decision-making processes. She discussed the 'We Value' project to develop values-based indicators, focusing on how effective partnerships were established and maintained between university-based research groups and CSOs. The structure of the project, which granted full control to the CSO partners, ensured that all the research remained relevant to CSO needs and priorities. The result was sustainable benefits for the CSO partners.
Experiences of Partnerships in Global Action Plan International
Marilyn Mehlmann of Global Action Plan International shared her extensive experience with CSO partnerships.
How Project Quality links to Values
John Smith discussed the values dimension in his long experience with a variety of projects from faith-based groups to urban agriculture.