This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been developed to support healthy, respectful, and effective working relationships between you and your organisation and individuals or organisations we collaborate with—including not-for-profits, government agencies, health providers, contractors, and volunteers.
As a values-driven person, I believe that the success of our work depends not only on what we do, but how we do it. I am committed to creating a working environment that reflects fairness, dignity, safety, and mutual respect for all parties involved.
This MoU applies to both paid and unpaid (volunteer) collaborations, and is designed to:
-
Set clear expectations around how we work together.
-
Align on shared values and principles.
-
Identify risks and how we will manage them.
-
Provide a process for resolving any issues that may arise.
I learnt from experience that not all working relationships are equitable, respectful, or aligned with our mission. This document helps us protect the integrity of our work, the wellbeing of our people, and the trust of the community we serve. I expect those who work with us—whether as individuals or organisations—to uphold these expectations in good faith.
This MoU is a living document and may be tailored to suit specific partnerships. Feel free to copy and paste into your own documents.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Between [Your Organisation Name] and [Partner Organisation Name]
1. Purpose
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out the broad framework for collaboration between [Your Organisation Name] and [Partner Organisation Name]. It aims to establish a shared understanding of how we will work together respectfully and effectively to achieve common goals.
This MoU is not legally binding but provides guidance and clarity on expectations, values, and ways of working together.
2. Principles of Collaboration
Both parties agree to work together in a way that reflects the following principles:
-
Respect for each other’s mission, people, and communities.
-
Transparency in communication and decision-making.
-
Equity and inclusion, especially for those we serve.
-
Authenticity and accountability in partnerships.
3. Our Values
[Your Organisation Name] is guided by the following core values:
-
Person-centred support: We put the needs and voices of our community at the heart of what we do.
-
Kindness and inclusion: We provide a welcoming, safe, and respectful space for all.
-
Peer leadership and lived experience: We value the knowledge and contribution of those with lived experience.
-
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity: We are committed to upholding Te Tiriti and advancing equity.
-
Clear and open communication: We seek to understand and be understood with care.
We ask our partners to honour these values in all aspects of our shared work.
(Modify or add your organisation's specific values here.)
4. Collaborative Expectations
Each party will:
-
Treat the other with professionalism and mutual respect.
-
Honour agreed timelines, responsibilities, and communications.
-
Avoid actions that may cause harm to the reputation, people, or values of the other.
-
Ensure that staff or representatives engaging in joint work understand and respect these expectations.
5. Risk Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that collaboration can carry risks, including:
-
Misalignment of values or priorities.
-
Inequity or disrespect in power dynamics.
-
Failure to deliver on shared goals.
-
Reputational risk through conflict or misconduct.
-
Lack of clear communication or responsibility.
We commit to identifying and managing these risks proactively.
6. Resolving Issues
In the event of conflict or concern:
-
Raise the issue directly and respectfully in writing with the other party’s nominated contact.
-
Meet to discuss and seek a mutually acceptable resolution within 10 working days.
-
Escalate to independent mediation if necessary and agreed by both parties.
-
Withdraw from the partnership with 10 working days’ notice if the issue remains unresolved or the collaboration becomes untenable.
7. Review and Duration
This MoU is effective from the date of signing and remains valid until [insert date or event], unless amended or terminated earlier by mutual agreement. It may be reviewed annually or as needed.
8. Signatories
This MoU represents the understanding between the organisations listed below.
[Your Organisation Name]
Signed: ____________________________
Name: ____________________________
Role: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
[Partner Organisation Name]
Signed: ____________________________
Name: ____________________________
Role: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
