This is a very new group within the Association, having been set up in late 2003. The Board agreed that this group should be formed to increase incidence of member organisations working together and co-operating where appropriate.

The Collaboration/Innovation Group has thus far agreed that, over time, it will:

·         Develop the principles and parameters that would apply to a collaborative working relationship.

·         Identify skills, expertise, specialist resources and areas of innovation within each member organisation.

·         Examine potential areas for co-operation amongst members of the Not for Profit Business Association in the provision of service to people with physical and sensory disabilities.

·         Look into mechanisms through which models of innovation might be developed within the Association.

·         Identify the possible value for money impact that working together might have. 

In prioritising its workplan for 2004, the group has set itself immediate priorities of:

·         Developing a newsletter for the Association.

·         Hosting a meeting relating to each Health Boards area, the purpose of which will be to:

·         increase awareness of the Association and other working groups internally.

·         identify and discuss potential local collaborations under themes including preparation for co-ordinating committee meetings, local co-operation, use of the Association website to increase communication among members etc.

The group is also developing a list of collaborations, which are currently being undertaken with other Association members and with external bodies. In order to better understand the issues that each member organisation is dealing with, each group member will also keep the C&I group informed of their critical issues over time.

I would like to thank the members of the group for the time and commitment they have dedicated to date and to wish us every success in working together this year.