Collaboration

Collaboration is a deliberate process through which diverse parties build a shared understanding of a common problem and purpose, bring together their individual knowledge, capabilities and resources, and think, design and create together. Through this process, they move beyond their individual perspectives and organisational agendas to develop new solutions and possibilities that would not have emerged from their separate efforts. Successful collaboration generates shared ownership and a multiplier effect, creating greater collective value and impact, with the potential to transform systems.

The CVPApproach:

Why Do We Need a Collaboration Process?

Collaboration does not happen simply because people or organisations agree to work together. It requires a deliberate process that enables them to build a shared understanding, combine their strengths, and co-create solutions that go beyond what they could achieve independently.

The Seven Stages of CVPApproach

Stage 0: Preparation

Establish the foundation for collaboration.

Prepare for the collaborative process by clarifying the initial opportunity or challenge, establishing readiness to collaborate, and creating the conditions for meaningful engagement. This stage lays the groundwork for open dialogue, trust and a shared commitment to working together.

Stage 1: Define the Problem

Build a shared understanding of the problem.

Bring participants together to explore the problem, its underlying causes, who is affected and why it matters. The goal is to develop a shared understanding of the challenge before jumping to solutions. Difficulty reaching this understanding is an early warning sign that must be addressed before proceeding.

Stage 2: Identify the Solution Partners

Bring together the actors needed to create change.

Identify the individuals and organisations whose complementary knowledge, capabilities, resources and relationships are needed to address the problem. The focus is on bringing together the right actors to create a solution that no single participant could develop or deliver as effectively alone.

Stage 3: Jointly Innovate

Co-create solutions that go beyond individual efforts.

Bring partners together to think, explore possibilities, challenge assumptions and develop solutions collectively. By combining their knowledge and perspectives, partners generate new ideas and approaches that transcend their individual thinking and create the potential for a multiplier effect.

Stage 4: Define Partner Engagement

Agree on how the collaboration will work.

Establish each partner's contribution, roles, responsibilities, resources and accountability. Agree on decision-making, shared ownership, recognition and implementation arrangements. Clear agreements build trust, strengthen commitment and provide a foundation for effective collective action.

Stage 5: Launch the Solution

Turn collective ideas into action.

Put the co-created solution into practice through agreed implementation arrangements. Mobilise the necessary resources, coordinate partner contributions and maintain accountability to the shared purpose. Whether implementation is joint or led by one partner, the collaborative origins and agreed ownership of the solution should be respected.

Stage 6: Continuously Support and Measure Success

Sustain the collaboration, learn and amplify impact.

Provide ongoing support to the collaboration, track progress against agreed measures of success, and learn from results. Use evidence and feedback to adapt the solution, strengthen the collaboration and identify opportunities to extend its reach and impact. Continuous learning helps sustain the multiplier effect and contribute to wider systems change.