Frequently asked questions about the Compact
- What is the Compact?
- Is the Compact legally binding?
- How was the Compact written?
- Why was the Compact Advocacy Programme set up?
- Does Compact Advocacy cover local government?
- Who funds the programme?
- Where else can I go if I have complaint about Government breaching the Compact?
What is the Compact?
The Compact is an agreement between the Government and the voluntary and community sector made in November 1998, and renewed in 2010. It aims to improve the relationship between the two sectors for mutual advantage. Almost all local authority areas have now developed a local Compact in partnership with the voluntary and community sector. For those areas, which have not yet developed local codes of good practice, the national documents still apply and can be used together with the local Compact.
Is the Compact legally binding?
The Compact was agreed by the Government in 1998 and was signed by the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, but it is not in the statute books. There is however, a legitimate expectation that its signatories (both at the national and local levels) will abide by their commitments. The failure to live up to Compact commitments has formed a part in judicial review cases but the Compact has not been the only basis for the challenge. A judge recently stated that the Compact is 'more than a wish list'. The Accountability and Transparency Guide to the Compact outline which organisations are responsible for implementing the Compact and investigating alleged breaches of the Compact.
How was the Compact written?
Putting the relationship between the sector and the Government on paper was one of the key recommendations of the Deakin Report in 1996 and shortly after the Compact Working Group was set up. This included representatives from leading voluntary and community sector umbrella bodies, representatives from community groups and organisations, volunteering organisations, Councils for Voluntary Service, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Black and Minority Ethnic organisations.
The group consulted over 25,000 organisations about what the Compact should include and the text was agreed in 1998. Following a consultation process in 2009 the refreshed Compact was agreed by representatives of government and the voluntary sector, with Compact Voice and the Office of the Third Sector confirming the policy and the ‘commitments’ content. It was signed by Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, on behalf of the third sector and the Rt. Hon Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, on behalf of government
A Reference Group was also set up, with membership drawn from 65 voluntary organisations, to act as a sounding board to the activities of the Working Group before and during discussion with Government. Almost all local authority areas have now developed a similar local Compact in partnership with the voluntary and community sector.
Why was the Compact Advocacy Programme set up?
The Compact itself has achieved a great deal in the past 12 years since its creation. Things such as Full Cost Recovery and 12-week consultation are now more frequent and the relationship between the two sectors has improved significantly.
However, implementation of the Compact is still patchy and the inequality in power between Government and voluntary organisations means there is sometimes need for a separate body to step in. By using advocacy and campaigning skills and by sharing good practice examples we can help the voluntary sector improve their relationships with Government.
Does Compact Advocacy cover local government?
Yes, the Programme covers both local and national Compacts. For more information on Local Compacts and whether there is one in your area contact the Compact Voice Engagement Officer on 020 7520 2451 or compact[at]compactvoice.org.uk
Who funds the programme?
The programme is based at NCVO and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
Where else can I go if I have a complaint about Government breaching the Compact?
A Compact Advocate can help you determine whether or not your issue is related to the Compact or if there are wider public law implications. They can be reached for advice on 020 7520 3161 or evs-advice[at]ncvo-vol.org.uk. If you are the victim of maladministration by a public body you can raise this with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman or the Local Ombudsman. Alternatively, you can try and use your local Compact dispute resolution process or seek support from your local CVS.
The Public Law Project offers free support and legal advice for voluntary organisations in cases where a public body has breached public law.
NCVO blogs on the Compact
Daniel Fluskey looks at the relationship between government and the voluntary and community sector and Compact issues.
Ingela Andersson comments on issues relating to the Compact and Public Law.
