Sir Bert Massie appointed as new Commissioner
19 Mar 2008
Sir Bert Massie (former chair of the Disability Rights Commission) has been appointed as the new Commissioner for the Compact for three years.
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, has announced the appointment of Sir Bert Massie as the new Commissioner for the Compact. In his role, Sir Bert Massie (the former chair of the Disability Rights Commission) will push for greater public sector compliance with the Compact, the agreement defining Government’s responsibilities in dealing with charities and voluntary groups.
Phil Hope has also pledged an increased investment to the Commission for the Compact of £6 million over the next three years, ensuring it has all the necessary resources to get the job done. And Compact Voice, which represents sector interests, will receive nearly £1 million in funding, also up from the previous year.
Sir Bert Massie brings a wealth of experience to the role as an international expert in equality and social policy, having worked in the voluntary sector for 40 years. He has led both governmental and charitable organisations and has contributed to the drafting of UK legislation affecting disabled people.
With the increased funding settlement, the Government is confident the Commission for the Compact will have the necessary resources to drive-forward its commitment to be a better partner for the sector.
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
“Sir Bert Massie has the passion, knowledge and experience to get the job done. Working in partnership, government and the third sector can do much more, particularly reaching the people who are most in need. I am determined that the Compact underpins all our dealings with the third sector, and I am pleased we now have the people, the money and a plan to make the state a better partner.
I also want to thank Helen Baker for her excellent work as interim Commissioner, building a stronger relationship between the sectors through the Compact.”
Sir Bert Massie said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity of contributing to the work of ensuring that the voluntary and statutory sectors work together closely to improve and enhance the services and support they offer to the public. The Commission for the Compact will ensure that the Compact is a living document that influences action.”
Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, said:
“Compact Voice looks forward to working closely with the new Commissioner to get the Compact implemented and ensure better outcomes for the people both sectors serve. The voluntary and community sector is keen to see its relationship with the Government improve: these are exciting times for the Compact and now is the time for action. We welcome the Government’s continued investment in the partnership.”
The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) has also agreed an implementation plan setting the key milestones on the path to partnership. Developed in coordination with Compact Voice and the Commission, the plan lays out what is expected from each of the three partners in order to improve the impact and support of the Compact.
Participate in an online discussion with the new Commissioner
In order to introduce himself in his new role, Sir Bert Massie will be participating in an online roundtable with the voluntary and community sector. Over the coming week he will appear on the Compact Voice National Network discussion forum and address questions and concerns put to him directly by members of the sector. The new Commissioner will be joined in the online roundtable by Simon Blake, newly appointed Chair of Compact Voice, and Carl Allen, the Chair of Local Compact Voice.
The online Q&A will start on the morning of Wednesday 19th March and finish on the afternoon Wednesday 26th March.
The National Compact Voice Network has over 150 members from national organisations across the country. It contains a discussion forum with varied threads as well as a newsfeed updated daily. The network is open for members of national organisations but for the following week it will be open to everyone including journalists.
Browse the network at http://compact.ning.com/.
Click here to join: http://compact.ning.com/?xgi
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PR: Sir Bert Massie announced as new Commissioner for the Compact
Download Sir Bert Massie Biography
Download Joint implementation plan 2008 - 2009
Please note that the dates in the timescale column of this implementation plan are indicative at this stage and are subject to change.
Download Compact Calendar for 2008
For media and press enquiries, please contact:
Rebecca Morris, Head of Communications
Commission for the Compact
Tel: 0121 237 5913
Email Rebecca here