Transferring organisational partnerships to physical activity participation : What works and why

The purpose of this research was to explore and understand the nature of organisational partnerships and how they may best be able to facilitate sustainable participation in physical activity. This research was undertaken as part of the evaluation of the VicHealth Partnerships in Community Sport and Active Recreation (PICSAR) Scheme during 2004–2006. Eight programs were explored in depth using a range of interview and survey techniques. Two of these programs will be presented using a case study approach in order to explore the factors affecting the development of organisational partnerships and the subsequent engagement of individuals in physical activity. These cases have been developed using the Capacity Building Framework of the NSW Health Department (2001) and the VicHealth Capacity Building Continuum (2005). The cases highlight that organisational partnerships that have been formed expediently to attract grant funding and focus largely upon the delivery of individual programs are less successful in providing sustained physical activity options than those that operate at both the individual and system (organisational) level. It is recommended that funding agencies who promote partnership development emphasise partnership development prior to program funds being released and the establishment of programs that are embedded within an organisation's core business