The Compact

NAMETITLEDATE

What is the Compact?

• Agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector

• Sets out principles and commitments for both the voluntary sector and government

• Applies only to England• Based on engagement with

government and the voluntary sector

Brief History of the Compact • First published in 1998, based

on recommendations set out in a report from the Deakin Commission into relationships between sectors.

• Initially accompanied by five Compact codes

• Local Compacts introduced in 2000

• Compact refreshed in 2009 – consolidated codes into one document

• In 2010, change in government announced renewal of the Compact

• December 2010 – renewed Compact launched

Who is signed up to the Compact?

• The Compact is signed by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Civil Society representing government

• It is signed by Simon Blake OBE on behalf of the voluntary and community sector

• Every government department is signed up to following the principles of the Compact

• The Compact extends to all organisations distributing funds on the government’s behalf – including NDPBs and prime/sub contractors

• The Compact applies when distributing EU funding

Compact Voice• Small team• Membership organisation –

over 3000 members • Representative board• Provides training and support

for Compacts both locally and nationally

• Shares examples of good practice

• Annual comprehensive membership survey

• Organises and promotes Compact Week and Awards

What does the Compact say?

• Covers a number of key topics:• Independence and the right

to campaign• Consulting with the VCS

when developing policies• Supporting the VCS to

deliver projects and services • Understanding the impact of

changes to funding and other forms of support

• Protecting and considering disadvantaged groups

How is the Compact supported? • Since renewed government

introduced in 2010, central government has strengthened its use in a variety of ways:

• Voluntary agreement but government departments are expected to follow it

• National Audit Office report into compliance and implementation - NAO’s findings highlighted high levels of support in government

• Included in department business plans

• Supported through other policies – Best Value Guidance, JSNA guidance

• Ombudsmen can investigate and enforce

• Referenced in various policy documents

Local Compacts

• 164 active local Compacts across England

• 96% of local authorities in England are signed up to a local Compact

• Use similar principles to National Compact

• High levels of support for local Compacts

• Local Compact groups support local partnerships

• Government priorities around localism – key role for local groups

Health organisations

• 86% of local VCS organisations believe the Health and Social Care Act is relevant to their organisation

• 65% of VCS respondents believe that “the new health landscape is likely to include the VCS in decisions that inform and influence the health agenda”

• A third of local Compact groups are involved in CCG, Local Healthwatch, or Health and Wellbeing boards

Results taken from Compact Voice’s 2013 survey of local Compact areas

How Compact Voice supports local Compact groups

• Priority Areas Programme• Case studies• Contact details for local

Compacts• Briefings and guidance• Training and speaking• Compact Week and

Awards• Annual local Compact

survey

How health organisations can use their local Compact

• Work strategically within the VCS

• Reassert local Compact principles as the basis for good practice engagement and commissioning

• Foster relationships with key people in health and social care

• Use the Compact where there is poor or damaging practice

• Work with the VCS to improve their offer to statutory partners

www.compactvoice.org.uk