Compact Advocacy programme

The Compact Advocacy programme exists to offer support and advice to voluntary and community organisations in their dealings with public bodies.

If you think a public body has made a decision that's not compliant with the Compact or public law principles, the dedicated Compact Advocacy team can:

• Identify breaches of the Compact
• Agree objectives and identify key decision makers
• Represent organisations through communications, including letters, emails, phone calls, meetings and press work
• Seek policy and practice change
• Identify best and worst practice and share lessons within the sector.

What are some common problems?

• Your funding is withdrawn with little notice
• A consultation period for a new policy or procedure gives you less than 12 weeks to respond
• Burdensome monitoring requirements are placed on your organisations that are not proportionate.

Our free resources can help you understand and address breaches of the Compact and public law and overcome problems when working with Government.

• Find out how to use the Compact
• Or find out more about the Compact

Contact  us

If you would like help and support on how to identify what decisions might not be compliant and how best to challenge them, contact Compact Advocacy by email evs-advice[at]ncvo-vol.org.uk or calling 020 7520 3161.

If you would prefer not to openly challenge a decision made by a public body, we can do so on your behalf anonymously.

Our successes

 "The service was exactly what we needed - clear and calm provision of information when we first made contact, then helpful advice, useful contacts, always did what they said they'd do, and kept in touch. Made a stressful situation so much more manageable, having a knowledgeable person who wasn't in the middle of it, to talk things through with. Many thanks."
Kate Tayler, Chief Executive North Yorkshire and York Forum

The Compact Advocacy programme has helped hundreds of organisations achieve a better relationship with Government and resolve disputes over funding, lack of consultation, poor communication and many other issues. We work closely with the organisation to ensure their objectives are met, and we follow up with Government bodies to ensure the lessons are learnt.

Read more of past success stories.