Compact Refresh Well Underway

24 Jun 2009

Work is now well underway on refreshing the national Compact, the longstanding agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector.

A second ‘Refresh Panel’ meeting took place in London on Tuesday 2 June 2009 to continue discussions on the refresh. Chaired by Sir Bert Massie CBE, Commissioner for the Compact, the Refresh Panel is made up of senior figures from across government and the third sector to inform the refresh process. Campbell Robb, Director General of the Office of the Third Sector, and Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, were also present at the meeting.

Departments and organisations represented at the first and second meetings of the Refresh Panel included: the Arts Council, ACEVO, CSC, Commission for the Compact, Compact Voice, Department for Children, Schools and Families, Department for Communities and Local Government, LGA, Ministry of Justice, NAVCA, National Audit Office, NCVO, Office of the Third Sector, RNID, Voice4Change England and Volunteering England.

Sir Bert Massie, Commissioner for the Compact, said:

“The process of revising the Compact is now well underway. As we move into the public consultation period starting next month, I encourage people to contribute by sending in their comments and views. We must ensure that the refreshed document is fit for purpose and reflects the viewpoints of those on the ground.”

Campbell Robb, Director General of the Office of the Third Sector, said:

“The debate about the new refreshed and updated Compact is as expected taking place in a manner exemplified by the Compact, that is, in full consultation and engagement with the Compact membership. We have an opportunity to bring the Compact up to date and ensure it takes its place as a relevant and compelling document for anyone who is dealing with the public or third sector. This is not an easy task but the Commission is demonstrating the leadership and determination which is needed to get the job done.”

Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, said:

“The Compact Refresh has the potential to improve relationships for voluntary and community organisations across the country. The refreshed Compact will be most useful if voluntary and community sector organisations feed in and express their views. Compact Voice is coordinating views from all parts of the sector to ensure the Compact works for you, so we hope many more organisations will get in touch.”

A third Refresh Panel meeting will take place in September 2009 with a 12-week public consultation taking place from July to October 2009. The refreshed and revised national Compact will be launched later this year during Compact Week (Monday 2 to Sunday 8 November 2009).

For more information or for details on how to contribute to the refresh process, please visit: www.thecompact.org.uk/refresh

To submit views and comments from:

Notes for Editors

  • 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.
  • Nominations are now open for the Compact Awards 2009. These annual awards demonstrate the Compact in action and recognise excellence in partnership working. For further information and entry details, please visit: http://www.compactawards.org.uk/

Ends

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Catherine Byerley, Communications Officer
Commission for the Compact
Tel: 0121 237 5905
Email: catherine.byerley@thecompact.org.uk