LLinE Lifelong Learning in Europe

John Field abstract

Importance of New Partnerships

Partnership working has become a cornerstone of strategies for lifelong learning. National governments and European institutions emphasise the need for a variety of different people and organisations to work together, in order to mobilise wide groups of the population. This requires new skills and knowledge among all those concerned, as well as other attributes – including the ability to manage emotions and appearance – that are usually thought of as part of one's personality. Considering partnerships at a number of levels – local, regional and transnational – the presentation will (a) consider why partnership has become such an important aspect of professional practice; (b) illustrate some of the demands that this puts on professionals and managers; (c) consider how best to develop the necessary competences; and (d) ask whether there is also a 'dark side' to partnership working which also needs to be managed carefully.