How to run a partner selection process

Introduction

There isn’t a one-size-fits all selection process. The best process for your charity will depend on different things. Such as project budget, project complexity and your understanding of the challenges.

A good process

To select a great partner, we recommend a three-phase process. There is flexibility within this. See the adaptations to each phase below.

1: RFI Phase

Phase 1 graphic

Overview

Invite partners to respond to the RFI (Request for Information). Send the RFI to a shortlist of 6-10 partners, or share more widely. Review responses and invite 3-5 partners to the brief phase.

Related

2: Brief phase

Phase 2 graphic

Overview

Send the full brief to 3-5 partners. Evaluate responses and invite a manageable number of partners through to the chemistry phase.

Related

3: Chemistry phase

Phase 3 graphic

Overview

Run chemistry sessions to get to know each other and what it's like to work together. If budget permits, pay each partner to run a workshop.

Related

  • How to assess chemistry (coming soon)

Adaptations and notes for each phase

  • RFI phase - You might choose to share the RFI publicly. If you do this, be prepared to receive many responses of varying quality. To manage workload, stipulate responses must be no more than 2 sides of A4. Inform potential partners if you are open to taking questions via a call. Alternatively, host an "Information call" - so that all potential partners can register for this and ask questions.
  • Brief phase - You might choose to skip the RFI phase, and go straight to briefing. If you do this, carefully make a shortlist of 3-4 partners that you think will fit best.
  • Chemistry phase - You might choose to host a traditional chemistry meeting or pitch session. Make the process transparent and reasonable for all parties.

Optional phase: Soft market testing

Consider carrying out soft market testing before the RFI phase. This involves engaging with potential partners early, helping to you to sense-check and refine requirements, timescales and budgets.

This exercise is useful if you lack knowledge of the problem space and possible solutions. It’s especially useful where projects are complex or of significant value.

This will help you to better understand your project while also informing your long-list of partners. It’s also useful if you choose not to run an RFI phase, as you might feel confident in selecting 3-4 partners to take direct to the brief phase.

Be transparent

In the RFI and brief, be clear and transparent about the selection process, budget info, timeline and what’s expected of partners.

For example, if you expect partners to attend in-person chemistry sessions, let them know from the outset. This will likely incur travel costs and time away from the office.

Offer to answer questions at each stage of the process.

Inform all partners of the outcome at the end of each phase.

Contributors

This guidance builds on discussions in the Agencies for Good community, plus contributions from:

Headshot photo of Alice Kershaw
Alice Kershaw
LinkedIn
Headshot photo of Gemma Hampson
Gemma Hampson
LinkedIn
Headshot photo of Ben Clowney
Ben Clowney
LinkedIn

Suggestions

Do you have suggestions on how to improve this guidance?

If so, please email noam@dovetail.network.