Commission issues think piece on the impact of the recession

2 Jun 2009

A discussion paper looking at the potential impact of the recession on the relationship between government and the third sector is being issued today by the Commission for the Compact.

Structured around eight key areas, the Think Piece reviews various changes that are expected to take place during the economic downturn, and discusses the possible effects on the relationship between the two sectors and implementation of the Compact. It identifies possible pressure points in the relationship where ensuring effective implementation of the Compact could become all the more important.

The eight discussion areas are:

• Reduced income for Third Sector Organisations (TSOs)
• Increased demand for services provided by TSOs
• An increase in volunteering
• Increased staff turnover in TSOs
• Increased risks with funding linked to outcomes in the employment/skills sector
• Real Help for Communities: Volunteers, Charities and Social Enterprises - The Office of the Third Sector’s £42.5 million action plan
• Potential for new partnership working
• Commitment to Local Compacts

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

“Effective partnership working becomes even more significant in difficult times. It is important to consider the implications the recession may have on public and third sector relationships. Although we are in the process of refreshing the Compact, we must not lose sight of the here and now. The principles of the Compact remain relevant in a recession, if not even more so than in a better economic climate.”

To download a pdf of the Think Piece or to find out more about the Compact, please visit:

http://www.thecompact.org.uk/

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 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 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

The impact of the recession on Compact implementation
Press Release - Recession Think Piece

For media enquiries, please contact:

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