NDT Development Partnerships

Development Partnerships with the NDT

About Development Partnerships: The NDT initially launched Development Partnerships in 1996 within services for disabled children and their families as part of a project part funded by the Department of Health. It became clear that this was a positive way of working with authorities and agencies that commission and/or provide services to people with learning disabilities and to people with mental health problems. In 1999 the initiative was extended and the NDT has worked with over 30 authorities and agencies in this way over the last 5 years. Development Partnerships are intended to recognise some of the complex issues for large organisations and local partnerships as they approach change and meaningful service improvement. They also provide a focus enabling progressive development in a professional environment of competing priorities. The number of Development Partnerships is limited to about 20 to ensure priority attention to the programmes from our staff. What a Development Partnership includes:
	A long term development relationship with the NDT for one or two years.
	Planning to ensure that the programme of work reflects local needs and priorities.
	Access to the skills of a leading agency in the field of service development, and to the best of national good practice and innovation.
	14 fieldwork days and 2 management/progress evaluation days each year.
	An appointed Lead Consultant for the Partnership but with access to a range of skills across the team and its Associates.
	A fixed price for the duration of the partnership with no additional expenses.
	Free or subsidised places at national events.
	Reduced prices on other work booked during the life of the Partnership.
	Telephone advice and guidance.
	Opportunities to take part in grant funded work.
Current Costs:
A Development Partnership for 1 year costs £14,500 + VAT and £28,000 + VAT for 2 years.
Invoicing is usually 6 months in advance, although other arrangements can be made if required, including full payment in advance.
What commissioners say about Development Partnerships
"We have been really pleased with the outcomes of our Development Partnership with the NDT. We have focussed on developing local leadership with people who use services and feel that we have achieved a high level of local participation and an excellent local Advocacy service.” Head of Learning Disability Services, Buckinghamshire“ Our Development Partnership has helped us to maintain our programme of day service modernisation and developing Supported Lifestyles at a time of very complex local issues. We have really valued the support of the NDT in tackling a major agenda for change, especially in the role of mentor and critical friend.” Head of Learning Disability Services, Lincolnshire
“ We have appreciated the fixed costs and this year have used the Development Partnership to provide valued external input to our review of Community Teams, senior management mentoring and direct development and facilitation to Community Team Managers and staff. It is great help not to have to keep finding extra funds to support our development plans!” Executive Director Learning Disability, Norfolk
Current Development Partnerships
	Essex	St Helens
	Buckinghamshire (2)	Wolverhampton
	Oxfordshire	Norfolk
	North Lanarkshire	Gateshead
	Bridgend	Kingston PCT
	Hampshire	Sth Ayreshire
	Milton Keynes	Leicestershire
	Harrow	Lincolnshire
	Barnsley	Cornerstones ( Scotland)

Find out more

You are very welcome to contact the NDT to discuss whether and how a Development Partnership could help you.

Please call our national office, phone 01473836440, or email either Joan Maughan (jmaughan@ndt.org.uk)

or Bill Love (blove@ndt.org.uk)

The NDT is registered in England No. 27566R

Last updated 14th May 2005
Comments on the site are welcomed.

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