All leading public service institutions are aware of the value of partnerships (and at times the personal and organisational cost of them). Whether we are partnering 1-1 or across complex systems we have probably been doing it for years, at times gaining great rewards and at other times we, like Sisyphus, roll heavy rocks up hills and feel like we continue to do so for eternity.

So, talking to a few others about what collective lessons we may have learnt, we have come up (in true tabloid style) with ‘Six golden rules to prevent partnership bruising'. It is not great science, but is based on practical experience and learning lessons the hard way. And yes, mea culpa, I have breached all of the golden rules at times (and continue to do so on occasions...).