Making cross-agency collaboration work

Collaboration isn’t always easy. It means working with others, navigating different systems and structures, and aligning priorities that don’t always match. Success comes from using practical skills, tools and strategies to overcome these challenges.

How to collaborate effectively

• Start with a shared purpose. Be clear about the impact you want to achieve together.
• Prioritise people. Build trust, listen actively and create space for connection at all stages of the collaboration. Strong, supportive relationships make it easier to work through challenges.
• Choose the right level of collaboration. Not all challenges need deep collaboration. Understand when simple networking, a coordinated effort, or a more in-depth collaborative approach is needed.
• Lay strong foundations. Whether networking or building deep partnerships, effective collaboration starts with strong foundations. Identify which ones need to be built or strengthened in your cross-agency team.
• Understand the context. Build awareness of the systems, governance and authorising environments that shape how collaboration happens.
• Build the right skills. Develop the skills, mindsets and behaviours needed to work well with others.

Building a collaborative culture

A culture of collaboration grows through everyday actions that make teamwork a core part of how we work in the public sector. Leaders, teams, and individuals all play a role in creating the right environment for collaboration to thrive.