Compact Voice identifies key commitments needed for the Compact
14 Nov 2008
Compact Voice found that 82% of respondents were in favour of a core set of key commitments that would make the agreement easy to communicate and memorable for all parties.
Following their widespread consultation on the Compact, Compact Voice found that 82% of respondents were in favour of a core set of key commitments that would make the agreement easy to communicate and memorable for all parties. These would summarise the vital elements of the agreement linking to more detailed information set out in the Codes of Good Practice.
While respondents expressed that the Compact had been highly beneficial in improving relationships between government and the voluntary sector, it was felt that both sectors need a large-scale programme of training and resources to further improve awareness and implementation.
82% of those consulted also believed that the National Compact should set minimum standards for all local Compacts. Many hard to reach groups felt that minimum standards would help to avoid problems caused by the variable quality and content of Local Compacts. Since the majority of the sector's relationships are at a local level, it is essential that the review of the Compact takes account of the importance of Local Compacts.
Oliver Reichardt, Head of Compact Voice said: "we've come a long way in 10 years, but there is still a long way to go. The recommendations in this report will ensure the Compact delivers on its potential. It is important to remember, however, that the Compact is not just about enforcing compliance, it is about a better way of working between the sector and government, for mutual advantage, to improve the lives of citizens and communities."
CompactVoice's report on their consultation - Problems, Issues, Solutions: the Future of the Compact - is available at http://www.compactvoice.org.uk/
Online consultation conducted from September to November 2008, with 109 responses.
Independent research into the views of harder-to-reach groups conducted during the same period, 57 groups reached.
CompactVoice's response is also informed by the views of more than 300 other organisations who responded to consultations by ACEVO, NAVCA and NCVO as well as those we reached through speaking at events around the country during Compact Week.
Ends
Notes to Editors
- Compact Voice represents the voluntary and community sector in
Useful Download
Problems, Issues, Solutions: The Future of the Compact
Press Release: Key commitments needed for the Compact
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Compact Voice
Tel: 020 7713 6161
Email: compact@compactvoice.org.uk