Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
It is important that MOUs be developed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the referral network context, organizational structures, and the roles and responsibilities of the organizations entering into the agreement. Organizations are also recommended to utilize any existing organizational MOU templates, if available. If creating a new MOU, the details below are the suggested elements which to include. This list is not exhaustive, and should be adapted and amended as required.
- An introductory heading or paragraph which lists the names and addresses of the organizations entering into the agreement, and the period of time in which the agreement will be in effect.
- Purpose and Objectives, which lay out the rational for the MOU, and the goal and objectives of the collaboration e.g. “The purpose of this MOU is to describe the collaboration between Organization A. and Organization B. involved in the Referral Network. The organizations will work together to…”
- Period of Collaboration, which states the time period covered by the MOU.
- Areas of Collaboration, listing the activities for which both organizations have responsibility, or which they will be completing jointly.
- Roles and Responsibilities of each party to the MOU, detailing the specific activities assigned to each organization under the MOU.
- Resolution of Disputes to document how disagreements between organizations will be addressed and settled.
- Additional Provisions or information to be contained under the MOU.
- Notices, which clarifies the primary point of contact for each organization, who should be contacted in the case of any changes, extensions, termination, questions, and other administrative matters related to the MOU.
- Signatures of the primary points of contact for each organization, affirming their agreement to the terms of the MOU.
All organizations who are party to the MOU should retain an original counter-signed copy of the MOU for their records.