Report

How to support partnership working: learning from the Healthy Communities Together programme

This report from UK think tank The King’s Fund summarises learning from the Healthy Communities Together programme.

This report from The King’s Fund summarises learning from the Healthy Communities Together programme, which supported cross-sector partnerships between the NHS, local authorities and voluntary and community organisations.

It finds that there is no single model for effective partnership working; instead, success depends on creating the right conditions through careful design, alignment with organisational strategies, and flexible approaches that allow programmes to adapt over time. Establishing partnerships requires clarity about purpose and governance, alongside a willingness to embrace uncertainty and iterative “test and learn” methods when developing new ways of working.

The report emphasises that strong partnerships rely on sustained investment in relationships, resources and support, as well as shared leadership across sectors. Progress can be slow, and programmes must plan for long-term sustainability beyond initial funding. Key enablers include clear communication, realistic expectations about the pace of change, and attention to how power is used by funders and partners. Overall, partnership working is presented as an ongoing learning process that requires continuous support, adaptability and commitment to achieving lasting improvements in community health and wellbeing.