Capacity building through cross-sector partnerships: a multiple case study of a sport program in disadvantaged communities in Belgium.

Mathieu Marlier,Greet Cardon,Annick Willem,Kathy Babiak,Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij,Steffie Lucidarme

doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2605-5

Abstract

BackgroundRecent research has illustrated the need for cross-sector partnerships to tackle multidimensional problems such as health inequalities and sport and physical activity promotion. Capacity building is based on partnerships and has demonstrated effectiveness in tackling these multidimensional problems. This study aims to explain how cross-sector partnerships build capacity at the practitioner, organisational and partnership levels. The subject of this study is a community sport program (CSP) that aims to increase sport participation rates and physical activity levels.MethodsThe study examined multiple cases in four disadvantaged communities in Antwerp, Belgium where the CSP was implemented. Forty-four face-to-face interviews were held with leaders from sport, social, health, culture and youth organisations that collaborated with the CSP.ResultsThirteen elements of cross-sector partnerships were identified as critical to building capacity at each of the different levels. These include: process evaluation, trust, mutuality, policy support, partner complementarity and fit, diversity of activities and period of collaboration-time. Trust in turn was fostered by a longer period of collaboration-time, better personal contact, clearer coordination and an external focus. Policy support was developed by support of partners and establishing clear metrics of success.ConclusionInsight into the key elements of cross-sector partnerships that build capacity is given and several practical recommendations are suggested for practitioners and policy makers.

Highlights

Recent research has illustrated the need for cross-sector partnerships to tackle multidimensional problems such as health inequalities and sport and physical activity promotion
Eight key elements of partnership capacity building were deductively derived based on the work of Parent and Harvey [26]: process evaluation, trust, coordination, mutuality, partner complementarity and fit, personal contact, period of collaboration time and policy support
The section describes each key element of the cross-sector partnerships and includes representative quotes to illustrate how capacity was built at the practitioner, organisational and partnership levels

Summary

Introduction

Recent research has illustrated the need for cross-sector partnerships to tackle multidimensional problems such as health inequalities and sport and physical activity promotion. Participation in sport has been associated with higher levels of physical activity, better mental health [7], and higher social capital [8] In light of these findings, health, social and other organisations have shown a growing interest in using sport or collaborating with organisations in the sport sector to increase physical activity, enhance mental health or engage civic participation in their communities [9].

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