The Compact

Compact Refresh

On 16 December 2009, the refreshed national Compact document was launched. Developed following months of consultation, the new Compact is leaner, more focussed and reflects the changing operating environment for the partnership between government and the voluntary sector.

The new Compact:

• takes the best from the original Compact and its codes, retaining all the key points which have contributed to its success.
• sets out what a Compact way of working means and helps public bodies and the sector to make this a reality

Find out more about the Refresh process, and download the documents from the Compact Voice website.

What is the Compact?

 The Compact is an agreement between the Government and the voluntary and community sector made in November 1998.

It aims to improve the relationship between the two sectors for mutual advantage.

Accompanying the publication of the Refreshed Compact is ‘An introduction to the Compact’. This contains general information about the Compact, explaining who it applies to, how to implement the Compact and resolve differences.

Local and regional Compacts have also been written to improve partnership working locally between the sector, councils and other local public bodies. Almost all of local authorities now have a Compact with their local voluntary and community sector.

A Compact Who's Who

Commission for the Compact

The purpose of the Commission is to promote effective partnership working between the public and the third sector through the application of the Compact.

Compact Voice

Compact Voice is the voice of the voluntary sector in England in matters relating to the Compact between the government and voluntary sectors to ensure better working.

Compact Advocacy

If you need help and support on how to use the Compact, including what principles have been breached and how to best challenge decisions, contact Compact Advocacy