What all NTO's share in common is that they have had to undergo a rigorous process to convince an independent panel that they can represent and lead their sectors and make a real difference to competitiveness and skills in British Industry. Members of the recognition panel were nominated by the CBI, TUC, Department for Education and Employment, the Scottish Office and the Welsh Office.

Working with and through partners is critical to the success of NTO's. Few NTO's have the capacity to deliver their strategies at a local level, and they therefore depend on close relations with TEC's, colleges and other partners to see their goals become reality.

As an example of partnership in action, the NTO National Council - the collective voice of NTOs - has agreed a joint protocol with the TEC National Council. This protocol sets out a common vision to raise the skill levels of people in all sections of the economy, with learning as a top priority for individuals, organisations and the nation as a whole. Areas of collaboration between the two networks include:

• reciprocal involvement in key policy forums
• joint campaigning and research where appropriate
• regular dialogue between NTO's and TEC's and between their National Councils
• more effecive communication across the networks, including dissemination of best practice
• joint projects and initiatives
• development of common procedures wherever possible.