Council and democracy

Strategic Partnerships

The Strategic Partnerships Unit's mission is to build stronger communities in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

The Unit is responsible for the Sustainable Community Strategy which is led by the County Partnership "Hertfordshire Forward" (formerly known as Herts Together). Additionally, the Unit supports the Lead Officers and liaison with District Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs).

The Unit also has the lead on Hertfordshire's Local Area Agreement - a contract between central and local govenrment designed to improve services to the public.

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

Hertfordshrie 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 Strategic Partnerships Unit also manages the Hertfordshire Local Area Agreement.  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 four themed areas, known as 'blocks':

Economic Development & 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