Communities of Practice Guideline
Introduction to Communities of Practice
Overview
NZAID adopts an agency wide approach to developing practice that effectively integrates our policies into our work. This approach facilitates knowledge sharing and learning within the Agency, ensures wide ownership of our policies and practice, allows us to draw on the expertise of all staff, and gives staff an opportunity to build their skills.
This Tool provides guidance for those establishing or participating in Communities of Practice (CoP). It also contains information for directors and team leaders regarding staff participation on CoPs and refers to the role of AIDMGT.
The guidance in this document draws on the experiences and lessons of NZAID staff who have coordinated and participated in Policy Teams and Communities of Practice.
What is a Community of Practice?
In NZAID, A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of practitioners that seek and share knowledge on common development problems while pursuing solutions. NZAID’s Communities of Practice (CoP) are cross agency teams formed to promote learning and the incorporation of good practice in the implementation of its policies.
CoPs stimulate learning, generate the type of knowledge that NZAID needs to improve its effectiveness, and promote professional development.
Objectives of Community of Practice
The overall objectives of a CoP are to:
- contribute to the translation of NZAID policy into practice;
- provide a means of drawing on knowledge and experience, identifying and promoting good practice, developing skills, and promoting learning across the organisation;
- share information through proactive outreach activities to staff and development partners.
Each CoP will develop specific objectives that are relevant to their overall purpose and particular area of focus.