The publication of BS 11000 is a landmark for the world of business. It provides a consistent framework for collaborative partnerships in business that can be scaled and adapted to meet particular business needs. The framework comprises methodologies supported by a wide range of tools and guides, which have been established over some twenty years of experience in relationship management.

The standard is the brainchild of Partnership Sourcing Limited (PSL) - a self-financing not-for-profit organisation that helps organisations of all sizes in both the public and private sectors to build and develop effective, competitive business relationships based upon a collaborative approach.

"Collaborative working is a journey which introduces many twists and turns, highs and lows, as it matures. BS 11000 provides a framework - a map, if you like - which organisations and individuals can use to understand the issues that will influence their journey and allow lifecycle planning from concept to closure", says David Hawkins, chairman of the BS 11000 development committee.

Earlier this year, five leading companies in the defence, aviation, and support-services sectors became the first in the UK to be awarded PAS 11000 certification - the precursor to BS 11000. EMCOR Group (UK), Lockheed Martin UK, NATS, Raytheon Systems Limited, and VT Group worked closely with PSL to achieve PAS 11000 certification, awarded by BSI after they were audited in a pilot certification programme.

In addition, representatives from the UK's higher-education sector have welcomed BS 11000. At a meeting in London in the summer, representatives from institutions including the University of Exeter Business School, the University of Bath, the University of Strathclyde, and Cranfield University agreed that the creation of BS 11000 was a major step forward that offers significant opportunities to support the implementation of more effective collaborative working for both the private and public sectors.

BS 11000 will receive a formal launch at the House of Lords on 07 December.