INTER-AGENCY WORKING AND PARTNERSHIPS

LARSOA recognises the importance of working with other organisations to enable more effective programmes and interventions that are developed for the benefit of all partners. As local authorities become enablers and facilitators rather than providers of services, they need to develop effective partnerships within the local community and be responsive to local needs.

Local authorities have a wide range of responsibilities for roads and for public transport. Within these responsibilities opportunities arise for initiating or contributing to projects involving other agencies. Such projects should support casualty and danger reduction or health gain and strengthen valuable partnerships.

Benefits of partnership
• avoids duplication of services and makes maximum use of resources
• provides an integrated and co-ordinated range of services
• enables access to a wider range of data and information
• provides alternative sources of finance and opportunities for joint funding initiatives
• increases the effectiveness of publicity and information
• reaches a wider audience and enables more accurate targeting
• allows wider consultation through increased networking with other professionals
• identifies joint training needs through an agreed agenda and common aims

agency
Many local authorities already have well developed partnerships with other agencies. There are many examples of formal and informal arrangements for joint working on specific projects, often targeting hard to reach or minority groups.

The road safety officer can be the catalyst for effective partnerships, both at the strategic and operational level, but should be willing to contribute as an equal partner to any relevant initiative.

Partners should reach agreement on which organisation should take the lead in specific projects.

Identification of expenditure and shared use of human resources increases the effectiveness of interagency projects.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION
For each project, realistic and achievable targets should be set. Monitoring should take place against identified road safety objectives.