The following areas have been identified as important elements in the development of a local tobacco control alliance. They may not happen as precisely as we have laid out here but some element of each of these steps will be present in your alliance’s development.
In Support of Local Strategy
An alliance will have a greater chance of success and sustainability if their objectives are linked to those of the local strategic plans.
Proposals for an Alliance
An alliance proposal that clearly identifies the aims and objectives, desired stakeholders, their role and the benefits to be gained will have a greater chance of success.
Recruiting Partners
Each of the partners will have different motivators for joining the alliance. Identifying which motivators work for which partners will aid recruitment to the alliance.
Setting the Agenda
Identifying areas for action and developing a co-ordinated work programme which links to local strategy.
Maintaining Commitment
Ensuring tobacco control alliance’s work programmes are incorporated within all partners strategic and operational plans and all partners remain committed to the alliance work.
Lobbying and Influencing
One voice together is greater than the constituent parts - influencing behaviour change in order to promote health improvement, gain support for changes in policy and working practices, and to secure more sustainable funding.
Alliance Evolution
Evaluating, celebrating and publicising success, maintaining momentum, revitalising partnerships.
There is an excellent How to Guide about Partnership Working on the Scottish Centre for Regeneration website www.pt.communitiesscotland.gov.uk