Au Revoir to Partnerships: What's Next?

Purpose – To review the current debates on partnership working and to examine whether a “fitness for purpose” test is an appropriate way of evaluating existing developments. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the conceptual frameworks within which the partnership discourse has been located, and reflects on whether this enables both practitioners and academics to make sense of the partnership literature and arrangements. Findings – The paper argues that existing frameworks are limited and suggests that alternative models need to be considered. Practical implications – The paper invites the practitioner/academic community to reassess existing models in the light of experience and analysis. Originality/value – The paper provides an alternative framework within which to situate partnership development and practice.