Council and democracy

About the Strategic Partnerships Unit

The Strategic Partnerships Unit provides the key resource for Hertfordshire Forward and Hertfordshire's Local Area Agreement.

Hertfordshire Forward is the countywide Local Strategic Partnership which brings together all the key agencies in the county which have an interest in improving the quality of life and well-being of local people. The Unit also provides support for HCC Lead Officers and liaison with District Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs).

The SPU also manages the Hertfordshire Local Area Agreement (LAA 2006-2009) - a three-year contract between central and local government designed to improve services to the public by bringing organisations together locally to focus on the issues that matter most to local People. The LAA is structured around for themed areas, known as "blocks":

● Economic Development and Enterprise
● Children and young People
● Safer and Stronger Communities
● Healthy Communities and Older People

The Unit also provides the County Council's lead for working with the Third Sector.

The SPU does not deliver services directly to local residents and businesses, but facilitates the provision of services through a number of partnerships. The Unit’s role is to add value and to spread good practice.