Partnerships Need More Than Good Intentions

Before entering any arrangement, VCSE organisations should pause, check, question and protect the people and communities they serve.

Partnerships are at the heart of thriving communities. Whether it's working with local businesses, funders, public sector organisations or other charities, the right collaboration can unlock funding, expertise, volunteers, resources and opportunities that help communities flourish.

At HEY Smile Foundation, we are passionate about bringing people together. As the infrastructure organisation supporting the VCSE sector across Hull and East Riding, we create opportunities for organisations to connect, share ideas and build relationships that can lead to positive social impact.

However, while making connections is an important first step, every organisation has a responsibility to ensure that any partnership they enter into is the right one.

Why Due Diligence Matters

Before agreeing to any funding, sponsorship, business arrangement or partnership, it is essential to carry out your own due diligence.

Due diligence simply means taking the time to understand who you are working with and ensuring that any agreement aligns with your organisation's values, legal responsibilities and charitable objectives.

This might include considering:

• Governance and organisational structure
• Financial stability
• Reputation and track record
• Safeguarding arrangements
• Insurance cover
• Data protection and GDPR compliance
• Potential conflicts of interest
• Alignment with your charitable purpose
• Any legal or contractual obligations

Taking these steps helps protect not only your organisation, but also your trustees, volunteers, staff, beneficiaries and the communities you serve.

Connections Are Not Endorsements

One of the key roles of HEY Smile Foundation is creating spaces where organisations can meet, collaborate and explore new opportunities.

Whether someone attends one of our networking events, is introduced through our team or participates in one of our programmes, this should not be interpreted as an endorsement, recommendation or approval of that organisation, business or individual.

Our role is to facilitate connections.

Your role, as trustees and organisational leaders, is to decide whether that connection is appropriate for your organisation after carrying out your own checks.

Protecting Your Organisation

Good governance isn't about mistrusting people—it's about making informed decisions.

Asking questions, requesting documents, checking references or seeking independent advice should be viewed as good practice rather than a barrier to partnership.

If something feels unclear or doesn't quite seem right, take the time to pause.

• Ask questions.
• Seek advice.
• Ensure expectations are understood by everyone involved.

Most importantly, make sure any agreement is documented appropriately before making commitments.

A Simple Checklist Can Make All the Difference

A few simple checks at the beginning of a partnership can prevent significant issues later on.

That's why we've developed a practical Partnership Due Diligence Checklist to help VCSE organisations ask the right questions before entering into new relationships.

It isn't designed to discourage collaboration—quite the opposite. It aims to help organisations build strong, transparent and sustainable partnerships based on trust, shared values and good governance.

Need Advice?

If you're unsure about a potential partnership or would like support in thinking through the questions you should be asking, we're here to help.

Get in touch with the HEY Smile Foundation team at hello@heysmilefoundation.org.

Together, we can help ensure partnerships are built on confidence, transparency and good governance—creating stronger organisations and better outcomes for our communities.