A flexible and professional approach
Partnership First is an independent, professional and experienced consultancy that acts as a critical friend working alongside its clients
Partnership First is founded on expertise and in-depth knowledge of the creative arts sectors.
At the heart of our approach, is listening to what organisations need and tailoring our services to meet that need
We take a flexible and professional approach to our work, regularly liaising with you to ensure that you receive reliable and accurate information that will assist you in developing your strategies and policies going forwards.
CORE VALUES
Partnership First's Core Values of
integrity,
transparency, and
independence are fundamental to our work. These values guide our approach to supporting our clients in several ways:
- Integrity: We ensure that our work is purposeful, reflects our clients' values and provides meaningful and actionable advice and support.
- Transparency: We take an evidence-based approach to ensure that any recommendations are based on relevant and robust data and evidence.
- Independence: Our advice is unbiased and objective thus ensuring that we build credibility and trust with you as our client with recommendations that are based on your needs and outcomes.
OUR SERVICES
At Partnership First, we work alongside and support organisations in unlocking their full potential - whether through strategic planning, meaningful impact measurement or developing collaborative partnerships. Our approach is rooted in trust, equity and shared purpose.
We offer clear thinking, practical tools and advice that is tailored to your organisation's needs. This focused approach ensures that our support is
practical,
inclusive
and
built around your values.
Our services include:
- Strategic Planning: Supporting boards and leadership teams to define clear goals, plan for uncertainty, and align around purpose. Equipping senior teams and practitioners with the tools the tools and confidence to lead with clarity.
- Impact Measurement: Crafting bespoke Theories of Change, Social Value and Evaluation Frameworks that focus on providing robust processes for evidence-based impact reports.
- Partnership Development: Designing and nurturing cross-sector collaborations that deliver lasting value.
- Insight & Communication: Translating data into compelling narratives that engage funders, stakeholders, and communities.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Clarity of purpose. Confidence in delivery
Partnership First understands the unique challenges organisations face, whether juggling limited resources, adapting to changing needs or building strategic partnerships.
In a changing landscape, we help organisations shape strategy that is ambitious, grounded, and responsive. Whether planning for growth, resilience, or new form of impact, we bring structure, insight and imagination to the table.
How we support you:
- Facilitate board and leadership strategy sessions that foster alignment and shared ownership
- Design planning frameworks that integrate lived experience, equity and measurable goals
- Develop models for adaptive decision-making that support both long-term vision and real-time responses
- Translate strategic intent into actionable plans, communications, and governance structures
We help organisations move from intention to impact - guided by purpose, informed by evidence.
IMPACT MEASUREMENT
Measure what matters. Amplify what works.
Partnership First believes that knowing your impact is crucial to understanding the difference you make. We create evaluation approaches that are inclusive, useful and human-centred. From Social Value reporting to project-level learning, our work enables organisations to understand and communicate their impact with clarity and authenticity.
How we support you:
- Co-design bespoke evaluation frameworks and Theories of Change rooted in participant experience
- Build capacity for qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and storytelling
- Facilitate collaborative review and learning processes with board, teams, and stakeholders
- Produce accessible, compelling reports and case studies for funders, partners and communities
Our approach turns data into insight - and insight into influence.
“I found the process of working with you, analysing the project, and talking things through extremely helpful. I was able to reflect and learn in-depth through the evaluation process.”
Creative Producer - Chickenshed
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Shared purpose. Collective action.
We support organisations to build, nurture, and sustain impactful collaborations - whether across sectors, regions, or communities. Our facilitative approach fosters trust, clarity, and mutual value.
How we support you:
- Map partnership ecosystems and identify strategic fit
- Co-create governance structure, working principles, and action plans
- Facilitate inclusive workshops and joint planning sessions that unlock creativity and commitment
- Diagnose partnership challenges and offer practical solutions for alignment and growth
Because the best partnerships don't just share resources - they share vision, accountability, and results.
“The Tri-borough Music Hub uses Partnership First to lead an initial assessment process for organisations who are interested in working in partnership with us. This ensures an independent and objective first point of contact, which quality assures the approach from a wide range of
potential new partnerships.
It allows the TBMH to focus its work with partners that best fit our own Strategic Priorities
and tally with our vision.”
It allows the TBMH to focus its work with partners that best fit our own Strategic Priorities
and tally with our vision.”
Head – Tri-borough Music Hub
For further information do not hesitate to contact us
