Compact

The Compact is the agreement between the government and the third sector (independent voluntary organisations, charities, community groups, etc) which outlines a way of working that improves their relationship for mutual advantage. It is accompanied by an Accountability and Transparency Guide which outlines steps to take at national and local level, including dispute resolution, internal complaints procedures and ombudsmen functions.

What does the Compact offer?
The Compact offers improved funding processes, clear consultation standards, enforceable rights, and an overall improvement in working relationships. So don't wait until things go wrong before using it. Take it to meetings, use it as a partnership tool and draw on it to improve funding relationships.

Fair funding and good consultation
The Compact means fair and effective funding and commissioning processes, and enables the third sector to be involved in designing services. The Compact also sets standards for government to conduct proper consultations which are clearly defined, open and meaningful, and allow at least twelve weeks for responses and giving feedback.

In 2010 the government held a consultation on the renewed Compact.

• View the Voluntary and Community Sector response to the Compact renewal Consultation
• View a statement of support for the Renewed Compact by National Voluntary Sector Leaders, as well as a statement from Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice

The Local Compact
The local Compact is facilitated by Voluntary and Community Action Wirral (VCAW), who can be contacted on (0151) 353 9700, info@vcawirral.org.uk or www.vcawirral.org.uk

Compact champions
Local implementation of the Compact is supported by a network of Compact Champions. A Compact Champion is a person within an organisation who will:

• promote the Compact values
• be responsible for making Compact known, understood and used
• be aware of the local and national Compact agenda
• promote involvement and Compact Successes
• ensure Compact compliance cascades down to operational level.

For a detailed description of what is involved in being a Compact Champion, download the role description.

If you would like to apply to become a Compact Champion, please contact Karen Livesey at karen.livesey@vcawirral.org.uk

Further information is available on the Compact Voice website.