Examples and Case Studies: Relationship Frameworks and Memoranda of Understanding
These Case Studies and examples illustrate different approaches to formalising relationships between government and community organisations.
New Zealand Agency for International Development Relationship Framework
In 2000, New Zealand Non-Government Organisations in the international development sector and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade finalised a framework to guide their ongoing relationship.
This framework was revised with the formation of New Zealand Agency for International Development in July 2002. New Zealand Agency for International Development is a semi-autonomous body within Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is the government agency responsible for delivering New Zealand's official development assistance.
Ministry of Health relationship framework
The Ministry of Health has developed a strategic relationship framework with Non-Government Organisations that other government agencies may find useful when developing relationships with community, voluntary and Māori organisations.
Ministry for Culture and Heritage Memorandum of Understanding
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage uses Memoranda of Understanding because strict purchase agreements don’t meet the needs of the different agencies it funds on an annual basis.
Department of Corrections and Prison Fellowship New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding
In April 2009, the Department of Corrections signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Prison Fellowship New Zealand. One of Corrections' five strategic thrusts is strengthening partnerships, and an essential element of that is forming strategic partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding with those who provide the Corrections Department with important assistance to achieve its objectives.
The Memorandum of Understanding recognises that Prison Fellowship New Zealand's commitment to Corrections reaches welll beyond activity as a provider of services and that Prison Fellowship New Zealand's interest in criminal justice reaches deeper than just the contractual relationship - with Prison Fellowship New Zealand making significant input of resources and time to innovation, programme development and public education, in order to advance a social justice agenda.
The English Compact: an Overseas Example
The Compact on relations between Government and the voluntary and community sector in England was an agreement between the British Government and the sector in 1998 to improve their relationship for mutual benefit.
Australia Explores National Compact as Option to Strengthen Relationships
As part of its social inclusion agenda, the Australian Government is exploring ways to develop a new and stronger relationship with the not-for-profit sector, based on partnership and respect.
