Commission issues discussion paper on the future of the Compact

7 Aug 2008

A three month dialogue to discuss the future of the Compact and the role of the Commission for the Compact is now underway. Today, the Commission for the Compact issued a discussion document containing questions to stimulate the debate.

The three key questions in the discussion document are:

  • What sort of agreement should the Compact be in the future?
  • How could the form and content of the Compact be enhanced to make it fit for the future?
  • How could the Commission for the Compact change to ensure better implementation of the Compact?

Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)

Sir Bert Massie CBE, Commissioner for the Compact, said:

“Earlier this month, I was asked by Phil Hope MP, Minister for the Third Sector, to start a debate on the future of the Compact in this its tenth year. The paper we have issued today is not a formal consultation document but is intended to be used as a prompt for wider debate. When the debate reaches its end, and there is some consensus on a way forward, the Government will carry out a formal impact assessment of the proposals and undertake a full public consultation.

"If it works as well as it could, the Compact has the potential to improve the way in which governmental and voluntary and community organisations work with each other and that would benefit everyone. I would urge everyone with and interest and a point of view to contribute to this debate".

A dedicated email address - debate@thecompact.org.uk - has been set up to receive comments and will be open until Monday 10 November 2008. The Commission will then analyse the views and evidence, and forward proposals to the Minister of the Third Sector.

Views can be submitted until Monday 10 November 2008 by writing to:

The Compact Debate, Commission for the Compact
77 Paradise Circus Queensway, Birmingham, B1 2DT

or by emailing debate@thecompact.org.uk

To find out more visit the Compact Debate sub-site at www.thecompact.org.uk/compactdebate

 

Notes for Editors

  • A one-day conference to discuss the future of the Compact and the role of the Commission for the Compact is taking place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham on Tuesday 9 September 2008. The event is being organised by the Commission for the Compact in partnership with Compact Voice, the Office of the Third Sector and the Local Government Association (LGA).

    Key speakers will include Sir Bert Massie, Phil Hope MP, Minister for the Third Sector, Sir Jeremy Beecham, Vice-Chair of the LGA, and Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice and Chief Executive of Brook. Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) and a former Chief Adviser on Political Strategy to the Prime Minister, will chair two lively interactive workshops.
  • The Compact was established in England in November 1998 and was inspired by the Deakin Commission report on the Future of the Voluntary Sector. It is an agreement that provides an overall framework for promoting effective partnership working between the Government and the voluntary and community sector. It aims to address areas of poor performance and sets out a statement of intent to work in partnership supported by five codes of practice. These five codes cover funding and procurement, community groups, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups, volunteers and consultation.
  • Established in April 2007, the Commission for the Compact is an independent body responsible for overseeing the Compact. It was set up to improve awareness of the Compact and its Codes of Good Practice, and to address the barriers to its adoption and implementation. The Commission works alongside the Office of the Third Sector, Compact Voice and the Local Government Association to achieve effective implementation of the Compact, and improve outcomes for both individuals and communities. It works with all stakeholders to take the Compact forward through increasing awareness, sharing good practice and carrying out research, looking at key themes that affect the relationship between statutory and voluntary sectors.

Ends

Useful Documents

Press Release - Compact Debate Discussion Paper (Word)Press Release - Compact Debate Discussion Paper (Word)
Press Release - Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)Press Release - Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)

Compact Debate Discussion Paper (Word)Compact Debate Discussion Paper (Word)
Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)Compact Debate Discussion Paper (PDF)

For media enquiries, please contact:
Rebecca Morris, Head of Communications
Commission for the Compact 
Tel: 0121 237 5913
Email: rebecca.morris@thecompact.org.uk 
Catherine Fisher, Communications Officer 
Commission for the Compact
Tel: 0121 237 5905
Email: catherine.fisher@thecompact.org.uk