Independence Matters Guidance Published

8 Jul 2009

Commission for the Compact publish the new Compact Guidance entitled 'Independence Matters'. It is a guide to the Compact and the independence of the third sector.

Third sector organisations can play many different and important roles in society, but to do so they need to be independent in order to use their distinctive experience and expertise.  In recognition of this, new implementation guidance on independence has been published today by the Commission for the Compact.

Entitled Independence Matters, the guidance aims to increase understanding in both the public and third sectors about the importance and benefits of independence and how it can be threatened. The second in the series of Compact implementation guidance, it looks at five common dilemmas that both sectors face and shows how to address them by applying Compact principles.

The Independence Guidance was produced after extensive research with third sector and government representatives including Compact Voice, the Office of the Third Sector, the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Baring Foundation. It will act as a resource for those working in the third sector, central government and local public sector agencies, offering practical steps for the resolution of the ‘dilemmas of independence’ by using the Compact.

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

“The independence of voluntary and community organisations stands at the heart of the Compact and is an essential component in enabling the effectiveness of the third sector. Nonetheless, on a daily basis, government and the third sector face challenging dilemmas that affect this independence. I would like to encourage people to think about independence and what they can do about it in their organisations. This practical guidance acts as a valuable tool to strengthen both working relationships and the independence of the third sector.”

Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, said:

“A strong voluntary and community sector must be free to voice the needs and concerns of the people and communities it works for. Independence is not an abstract concept - it underpins a vibrant and strong relationship between the sector and the government. The principle of independence is embedded in the Compact and this publication offers excellent practical guidance as to how it should be used by both partners to do so.”

To order a hard copy of the guidance, please telephone the Commission for the Compact on 0121 237 5905.

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. It aims to address areas of poor performance and sets out a statement of intent to work.
• 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 Downloads

Independance Matters Guidance
Press Release - Independence Matters Guidance

For media enquiries, please contact:

Rebecca Morris, Head of Communications
Commission for the Compact
Tel: 0121 237 5913
Email: rebecca.morris@thecompact.org.uk