Common use of Joint Working Arrangements Clause in Contracts

Joint Working Arrangements. Why is this important? 6.1.1 Public bodies are increasingly encouraged to provide seamless service delivery through working closely with other public bodies, local authorities, agencies and private service providers. 6.1.2 Joint working arrangements can take a number of different forms, each with its own governance arrangements:  Partnerships  Collaboration 6.1.3 Partners engaged in joint working arrangements have common responsibilities:  to act in good faith at all times and in the best interests of the partnership’s aims and objectives  to be willing to take on a role in the broader programme, appropriate to the skills and resources of the contributing organisation  to be open about any conflicts that might arise  to encourage joint working and promote the sharing of information, resources and skills  to keep secure any information received as a result of partnership activities or duties that is of a confidential or commercially sensitive nature  to promote the project 6.1.4 In all joint working arrangements the following key principles must apply:  before entering into the agreement, a risk assessment has been prepared  such agreements do not impact adversely upon the services provided  project appraisal is in place to assess the viability of the project in terms of resources, staffing and expertise  all arrangements are properly documented  regular communication is held with other partners throughout the project in order to achieve the most successful outcome  audit and control requirements are satisfied  accounting and taxation requirements, particularly VAT, are understood fully and complied with  an appropriate exit strategy has been produced 6.1.5 All joint working arrangements must comply with these Financial Regulations unless specifically approved otherwise by the Commissioner.