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Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts? (2020)

Publication date: 05/03/2020 (Updated 27/05/2025)

ESS resource: ESS Support Guides

Resource theme: Partnership

We often hear people say “it’s good to work in partnership” or “we can achieve much more by working together”. But how do we really know?

We tested out ideas for evaluating partnerships in order to help organisations who aren’t always clear about what difference collaboration has made and how to show that to others.

Whether you are currently in a partnership or planning some joint work with others, we think that taking an outcomes based approach can help you understand what difference your partnership makes and to whom.

This resource ‘Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts?’ provides more guidance and tips on evaluating the impact of your partnership. If you use this resource we’d love to hear from you as we are looking for case studies which we can share with others.

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