EA Partnership Agreement Introduction

The Partnership Agreement

  1. This document sets out the partnership arrangements between the Education Authority (EA) and the Department of Education (DE).  In particular, it explains the overall governance framework within which EA operates, including the framework through which the necessary assurances are provided to stakeholders. Roles/responsibilities of partners within the overall governance framework are also outlined. 
     

  2. The partnership is based on a mutual understanding of strategic aims and objectives; clear accountability; and a recognition of the distinct roles each party contributes.   Underpinning the arrangements are the principles set out in the Partnerships between departments and arm’s length bodies: Code of Good Practice (finance-ni.gov.uk) which should be read in conjunction with this document. The principles which are laid out in the Code are as follows. 

    A full copy of the NI Code can be found at Annex 8.

  3. This document should also be read in conjunction with guidance on proportionate autonomy which provides an outline of the principles and characteristics for proportionate autonomy (see Partnerships between departments and arm’s length bodies: Code of Good Practice (finance-ni.gov.uk)).  Guidance on proportionate autonomy has been considered in determining the extent of engagement and assurance to be established between EA and DE and this is reflected in this agreement (Section 11 and Annex 2). 
     
  4. DE and EA are committed to:
    1. working together within distinct roles and responsibilities;
    2. maintaining focus on successful delivery of Programme for Government outcomes, Ministerial priorities and associated strategies (see also paras 2.6 and 2.7);
    3. maintaining open and honest communication and dialogue;
    4. keeping each other informed of any issues and concerns, and of emerging areas of risk;
    5. being open and transparent in sharing of information and data (as appropriate);
    6. supporting and challenging each other on developing policy advice and delivering agreed policy priorities and actions [when developing policy advice and implementation this may cut across more than one department];
    7. seeking to resolve issues quickly and constructively; and
    8. acting at all times in the public interest and in line with the values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
       
  5. The effectiveness of the partnership and the associated Engagement Plan will be reviewed formally each year by DE and EA in order to assess whether the partnership is operating as intended and to identify any emerging issues/opportunities for enhancement. This can be carried out as part of existing governance arrangements. This Partnership Agreement will be reviewed formally at least once every three years to ensure it remains fit for purpose and up-to-date in terms of current governance frameworks.  The formal review will be proportionate to EA’s size and overall responsibilities and will be published on DE and EA websites as soon as practicable following completion. 
     
  6. A copy of this agreement has been placed in the Assembly Library and is available on the DE and EA websites.