You may be working together with another organisation on a project, developing joint services, applying for funding or a tender as a consortium, or even planning a full blown merger with another group.
Where two or more organisations work together on project or venture in order to fulfil their purposes, whilst remaining separate, it is known as collaborative working. Sometimes a decision to work together can lead to the formal merger of two or more organisations.
CVS can support charities, voluntary and community groups and social enterprises to form partnerships and develop joint working arrangements. Some organisations ask for help to identify potential partners, some want specific help to develop partnership documents and others ask for support to ensure that governance behind the partnership is fit for purpose.
If you are looking for information about forming a consortium, read the NCVO guidance which includes reasons for forming one, the various possible operating models and how to set one up.
The Charity Commission has specific guidance on collaborative working and mergers.
ICSA have published a number of very useful guides, including a collaboration checklist and specimen charity merger document.