Training for the municipalities on cross-sectoral cooperation

The Background

INTERREG Baltic Sea Region project “Urban Labs for Better Health for All in the Baltic Sea Region” (Healthy Boost) aimed to boost the cross-sectoral cooperation for health and wellbeing in cities by developing and enabling the use of the Model for cross-sectoral cooperation.

Cross-sectoral cooperation is a collaborative effort in which partners from different sectors (public, private, and non-profit) pool their resources to provide joint solutions for the common benefit, and address problems and complex challenges.

The Model provides a general framework of cross-sectoral cooperation, which guides partners through best practices of cooperation by using a systematic approach.

In the Model, five domains of cross-sectoral cooperation are described: (1) risk identification, (2) leadership, (3) communication, (4) coordination, and (5) motivation.

Each domain is described based on four stages of cross-sectoral cooperation: (1) mapping, (2) planning, (3) implementation or (4) assessment.

The Model can be used in different ways:

  1. By looking through all domains and all stages;
  2. By selecting one or several domains relevant to your situation;
  3. By selecting one or several stages relevant to your situation.

 

Inspiration for the Training

As developing the model and training on how to use the model was a collaborative effort, we would like to share with you how it all started.

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) Health Research Institute researchers’ team hosted an international training for other partners of the project. Two-day training gathered 45 participants from six project countries. The training was designed to innovatively and practically test the model for cross-sectoral cooperation prepared by Latvian researchers (Riga Stradiņš University). During this simulation, the Cross-Sectoral Cooperation model has been tested in several ways – working in groups, analysing cases individually and working in pairs. Solutions for each case were presented through the Mind Map app, posters (gallery) and oral presentations.

The experience of cooperation once testing the created model stands as the base for an online training tool where you can learn how to use the Model in different types of situations. In addition to that, the training involves the real-life situations which our cities faced once they have implemented their pilots. Ready to start?

Step by step instruction for the training tool

  1. you are asked to choose a certain domain of the Model
  2. you are asked to choose a different partner role
  3. you are asked to go through all stages of a certain domain
  4. you are asked to reflect on the different traits and backgrounds of each partner when selecting relevant answers in situations. This way, it will help you to grasp how different partners can contribute to the collaboration what are their perspectives, strengths and weaknesses.
  5. Reflect the path in collaboration: learn how to use the Model that later on you can use in your real life
  6. If you wish - save the pdf file of your “hands-on” online training tool to boost cross-sectoral cooperation and experience participatory learning for the cities.

Online training does not focus on the team building and capacity building aspects of cooperation. These should be dealt with before starting to work on a joint project or initiative as it is a very important part of successful and fruitful cooperation. Our online training tool will create a participatory learning experience that will stimulate you to boost cross-sectoral cooperation in your City.  Online training tools will guide you on how to use the Model clearly so that the cities could follow it in their practice. Please note, online training tools provide you with only one angle on how to look at the Model, in reality, the Model can be used in various ways. For instance, going directly to a certain stage of a specific domain or going through all stages, etc. Enjoy once learning!

Click here to: Move on to the training!

How to replicate the Healthy Boost training for the cities carried out in Kaunas

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) Health Research Institute has  also developed a plan to train various stakeholders in using the model and applying it on day-to-day work. Training course was delivered in person and can be replicated by others as training materials are available online

Firstly, training focuses on introducing participants with the concept of cross-sectoral cooperation and the model. Further, for the training to be involving and exciting, participants are asked to participate in several group building and get-to-know each other exercises (odd couples, blind drawing, human knot, etc.). In order to grasp the expectations and fears before the training, it is recommended to ask participants to share those. There are various online tools (such as menti.com) that could be used to make this experience more entertaining.

Later on, we suggest introducing participants with the individual group cases and Mind Map app (which can be used for the documentation of group decisions). It makes sense to split participants in groups that will be working together on simulating model for the entire training. We suggest that groups for get-to-know each other games and for the model simulation would be different so participants would get a chance to meet as many different people as possible. When splitting participants into groups, keep in mind that each group should have from 5 to 6 roles and all group members could use a QR Code scanner app in order to obtain information about their role, how they are supposed to act in cooperation process (what is their background, aim, etc). As the training simulation continues, each member in their groups has to discuss the given case, participants have to represent their role and then group collectively has to answer questions for five tasks (i.e., tasks are structured according to main model domains: Risk identification, Leadership, Communication, Coordination, and Motivation) and each task can be carried through – Mapping, Planning, Implementation, Assessment stages. Throughout the entire training, participants are asked to note their decisions on how to solve or assess various situations on Mind Map. Using the tool enables to have a structured overview of the whole project.

Importantly, during this training simulation, the model can be tested in several ways – working in the groups, analyzing cases individually and working in pairs. It is advised to try as many different working techniques as possible so participants are kept motivated and interested to improve their cross-sectoral cooperation skills.