4ps Annual Conference

23 April 2008

Delivering Improved Communities through New Forms of Partnership 

Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, spoke at the 4ps Annual Conference about the importance of bringing together the best of local, central, private and third sectors, in such a way that changes lives for the better, for all young people, regardless of their background or abilities.

While there is, quite rightly, an emphasis on reaching financial close for BSF projects to develop, Tim talked about the need to ensure that strong and lasting partnerships -  characterised by maturity, flexibility, pragmatism and respect - are built and maintained throughout the BSF and well beyond. He told the conference: "What we are seeing through BSF is a new generation of PPPs emerging – with genuine partnerships being forged."

He also spoke about the unique opportunity provided by Local Education Partnerships (LEPs) to integrate BSF with other local investment projects, such as wider regeneration schemes for social housing, health and welfare. Over the course of the coming year PfS would, he said, concentrate on supporting local authorities by ensuring effective contract and relationship management are in place and exploring how LEPs can asses and measure their own effectiveness and impact.