Refresh Q&A

Here are some commonly asked questions about the refreshed Compact and its implementation.

Will this refresh ensure the Compact is relevant?
Today there is more partnership working between Government and the third sector than ever before, with more being achieved at a local and national level. From Spring 2010, the next crucial step will be the provision of implementation guides for the Compact.

Why has the Compact been refreshed?
Since the original Compact was launched in November 1998, there have been many developments in law, policy and practice in England. The refreshed document reflects this changed economic and political landscape, for example addressing Compact principles in subcontracting and European funding, and will help partners deliver during the coming economically strained times. 

What consultation took place during the refresh?
A Compact Debate from 7 July 2008 to 10 November 2008 generated responses from the statutory, public and voluntary and community sectors, together representing and advocating the views of over 60,000 regional and local third sector groups from across the country. Subsequently an advisory panel involving senior figures from across the wider sector met, and a 12-week consultation, including events across the country, was held in 2009.

How does the refreshed Compact differ from the original?
The refreshed Compact is clearer, shorter and easier to use. It details concrete “Commitments” which show how the underpinning principles should be translated into practical action. These Commitments cover three key areas: involvement in policy development, allocating resources and advancing equality. Accompanying this is the smaller introduction to the Compact, which sets its broader context. These will be followed by issue or audience-specific Implementation Guides over the coming months.

Why has the refreshed Compact discontinued Codes of Practice?
While the core substance of the Compact has been retained, the format has changed to improve accessibility and to reflect changing legislation. The planned Implementation Guides will instead help partners to apply Compact ways of working in particular settings, outlining case studies and giving guidance in areas such as ensuring equalities issues are addressed.

What’s new in the refreshed Compact?
The refreshed Compact is over 100 pages shorter than the original, is more focused, and is structured in a way that makes it far easier to use. The refreshed Compact applies to all of the Third Sector, and not just voluntary and community groups and organisations – for example social enterprises.

The advancing equalities section broadens the application of the Compact to the wider equalities agenda, reflecting the current legislative landscape. The section on funding is clearly rooted in the available commissioning framework, and there is now a set of core principles which underpin the Compact. Read more

Who does the Compact apply to?
The Compact applies to all central Government bodies such as Government Departments, Government Offices for the regions, Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies. For the first time, the Compact applies to the full range of “third sector” organisations – although how the Compact is used and implemented within the sector is a matter for individual organisations.

How does the national Compact relate to Local Compacts?
The Compact provides helpful guidance to local public bodies such as the NHS and the police, but doesn’t bind them. However all areas in England are covered by Local Compacts, and the national Compact provides a context and template which can be tailored to reflect local issues and partnership arrangements. Read about Bromley's refreshed Local Compact 

Doesn’t the Compact only cover larger organisations and not smaller community organisations?
No - wherever a third sector organisation deals with a public body, the Compact frames the relationship, whether for an organisation who has a funding relationship with Government, or for those wanting to influence policy development. As funding relationships significantly impact the stability and sustainability of third sector organisations, the Compact sets parameters for a healthy funding relationship.

Additionally, non-financial relationships are seen as equally valuable. The contribution of smaller community organisations, vital to achieving community engagement and cohesion, are supported by specific commitments in Local Compacts.

What happens if an organisation or Government Department ‘breaches’ the Compact?
The Compact Advocacy Programme advocates on behalf of the third sector to ensure Government treats the third sector fairly. It handles cases for individual organisations when they have concerns with Compact practice at a national and local level.

What plans are in place to apply statutory powers to the Commission for the Compact?
Following Compact Voice’s recent intervention, the Minister for the Third Sector is considering this as one important aspect of Compact implementation, but at early 2010 nothing more is definite.