News Syndicate content

Cabinet Office publish guidance on Social Value Act

news in brief

The Social Value Act comes into force on January 31, and the Cabinet Office have released an information note for commissioners and procurers.

The note provides information about what authorities are required to do under the Act – including that statutory bodies must be mindful of the principles contained in their local or national Compact when contracting services.

Report into independence of voluntary sector echoes Compact Voice’s findings

independence report cover

The Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector – established in 2011 to ensure that independence is seen as a priority for voluntary sector organisations – have today published their second annual report.

Compact Voice welcome the panel’s use of our research into Compact implementation, which draws heavily on our engagement with the voluntary and community sector.

Review of the voluntary sector's skills

news in brief

Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, has appointed Dame Mary Marsh to lead a review into leadership and skills in the voluntary sector. The aim is to establish whether existing support is meeting the requirements of the sector.

Cabinet Office civil society update published

cabinet office logo

The Cabinet Office has published 'Making it easier for civil society to work with the state'. The document is a stocktake of progress toward the government's commitment to involve the voluntary and community sector in delivering services.

The document reiterates the government's commitment to Compact principles, and contains a case study from Gloucestershire.

Report highlights worrying levels of disproportionate cuts to grant funding to the voluntary sector

compact logo

A report has highlighted that half of local authorities are cutting grant funding to the voluntary sector disproportionately, compared to the amount their own budgets are being reduced.

The report, produced by Compact Voice, reveals that despite statutory guidance issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government, the local voluntary sector continues to be seen as a soft target for budget reduction.

Initial statement on Prime Minister's comments at CBI conference

david cameron

On 19 November 2012, David Cameron gave a speech to the CBI conference about ‘plans to help British business thrive'. In it, he referred to 'calling time' on Equality Impact Assessments, reducing government consultations and cutting back on judicial reviews.

The statement below aims to clarify some of his comments and reiterate the impact of them for Compact groups.

It is an initial statement, and we will be seeking further comment on it, so please check back for updates.

News in brief: NCVO Case studies on Social Value published

newspapers

NCVO have put together some useful resources exploring social value, commissioning and payment by results. The page outlines NCVO's policy position on each and includes some useful case studies exploring how some voluntary organisations are providing public services that demonstrate social value.

Read more on the NCVO website.

Winners of the 2012 Compact Awards announced

compact award winners

The winners of this year’s Compact Awards have been announced at a ceremony held by Compact Voice last night in Westminster, which was hosted by Simon Blake OBE, Chair of Compact Voice, and Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society.

The Compact Awards recognise excellent partnership working taking place between local and national government and the voluntary and community sector.

Read about the winners here, and download a booklet containing all of the shortlisted entries.

Compact Week is here!

Welcome to Compact Week, the annual celebration promoting and recognising the Compact.

The week engages voluntary organisations both locally and nationally, government departments, local authorities and other public sector partners working with the Compact locally or nationally.

We'll be posting updates here throughout the week.

Report reveals lack of accountability in government data

westminster

It is impossible to measure national government compliance with the Compact, according to a new report.

Compact Voice has today published a report detailing the responses to Freedom of Information Act requests, submitted by Compact Voice to 14 government departments.