ABSTRACT
When the regional partnerships were first established there was a mixed response from LEAs. Whilst some readily embraced the concept, which in some areas reflected groupings which had already been formed, others were suspicious of a hidden government agenda to undermine the authority of LEAs and regionalise some educational services. Although these fears had largely been overcome by the end of the first year of the Partnerships, the decision to channel money through them to support the establishment of independent services for disagreement resolution reawoke these fears.
