Minister promises greater Compact scrutiny at critical time for Compact

10 Dec 2009

Angela Smith yesterday appeared before Parliament, apologising for breaching the Compact in her recent decision to divert funding from the Campaign Research Programme. She stated that this was an "isolated breach" of Compact Principles.

Following her appearance, the Minister met with Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, to discuss ways to reassert the Government’s commitment to the Compact, ahead of the launch of the Refreshed Compact next week. In the meeting she accepted that her action had caused scepticism about her support for the compact, but reaffirmed her commitment.

As part of the Government’s commitment to the Compact, the Minister pledged that:

• She will present at the next Compact Annual Meeting (1 Feb 2010) clear actions for both the third sector and government to implement and champion the refreshed Compact. These will include better and more credible reporting methods from Government on how they are implementing the Compact, and use subsequent annual meetings to review and to present these findings for greater transparency. These processes will be established in conjunction with Compact Voice and the Commission.

• The Office of the Third Sector will communicate as early as possible with appropriate organisations, in the event that a proposed decision could potentially breach the Compact. This will be in order to ensure such a breach is avoided

• The Office of the Third Sector is committed to finding a legislative vehicle to enhance the status of the Compact as soon as possible. This would include statutory powers for the Commission for the Compact, and to consider the inclusion of the measures mentioned above.

Simon Blake said: "The Minister offered assurances that this was a one-off breach of the Compact and that she remains committed to its implementation.

In this critical time for the Compact, we welcome these new measures the Minister will introduce. While the Minister’s recent decision was regrettable, it is important that the Sector regains confidence in her support for the Compact, and continues to recognise its value. We look forward to her personally championing the refreshed Compact across government in the New Year, and to seeing this reflected in her Party’s manifesto."

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