2009 News: January-March
A Day in the Life...7-11th September 2009
A work shadow scheme for DCLG and voluntary and community organisation staff
"They just don’t understand the realities on the ground."
"If only they could see things from our perspective."
"What do they do anyway?"
What is it?
A Day in the Life is a work shadowing initiative that provides a unique opportunity for staff in central government and the voluntary and community sector to step into each other's shoes for a day and learn about how the 'other side' operates.
It is being organised by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the NCVO Policy Forum and Compact Voice.
How will it work?
You will be paired up with a member of DCLG staff. At a convenient time during the course of a week (7-11 September 2009), you will both spend up to a day in each other's organisation.
There you will have the opportunity to find out more about each other's work ranging from day to day responsibilities through to the wider contexts in which you work and the challenges you face. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, offer and take advice as well as share ideas on how the VCS and government can work more effectively together.
Who should apply?
A Day in the Life is open to all voluntary and community sector staff in England. It will be particularly relevant to those who have regular contact with central government departments and are looking to improve how they work with, and influence, civil servants.
How do I apply?
Complete the short online application form at
www.ncvo-consult.org.uk/workshadowvcs or contact Nicola Gilbert:
- Telephone: 020 7520 2465 or
- Email nicola.gilbert@ncvo-vol.org.uk for an application form.
The deadline for applications is Friday 7 August 2009.
Date: 15.07.09
Workshops Focus on Compact Champions
Six regional workshops exploring the important role of Compact Champions and promoting the findings from research capturing good practice and approaches are taking place during June and July 2009.
These workshops are aimed at people working in councils, health trusts and local groups who want to develop the role of their Champions to improve performance of their Local Compact. Local Compacts cover every area in England and mirror national Compact principles although they vary to reflect issues and partnership agreements.
The workshops are organised by the Commission for the Compact and Compact Voice. They are free of charge and will take place in:
| Newcastle-upon-Tyne | Tuesday 16th June 2009 |
| Wolverhampton | Thursday 18th June 2009 |
| London | Monday 22nd June 2009 |
| Leeds | Wednesday 24th June 2009 |
| Bristol | Tuesday 30th June 2009 |
| Manchester | Tuesday 7th July 2009 |
Please visit the Commission for the Compact's website for more information
Date: 21st May 2009
Compact Refresh
A refresh of the Compact should be completed by November 2009. The move follows last year's big debate on the Compact's future.
The Compact Voice Chair, Simon Blake and Kevin Brennan, the Minister for the Sector, have agreed the basis and timetable for refreshing the existing documentation. An advisory panel will hold its first meeting next month and a formal three-month consultation will be held from June to August. The new Compact will aim to:
take the best from the original Compact and its codes, retaining all the key points, which have contributed to its success. The refreshed version will take into account recent developments in law, policy and practice and it will set out what a Compact way for working means and help public bodies and the sector to make this a reality
Please visit our dedicated Compact Refresh page for more information.
Date: 30th March 2009
Economic Downturn and the Compact
Compact Voice has put together a 2-page practical guide on Key Compact Principles for the Economic Downturn. This at-a-glance reference for the sector will help you identify the Compact commitments you need to be aware of in these difficult times.
Date: 19th March 2009
2nd Annual Local Compacts Conference Friday 2nd October 2009, Birmingham REP
Compact Voice is hosting its annual local Compacts conference in Birmingham this year. Last year's event was a great success attracting over one hundred delegates from both local public and voluntary sectors and we hope that this year's will be even better.
The theme this year is Practical Action for a Thriving Compact, Sector and Community.
Registration will be opening soon, but in the meantime please contact Susannah Rigg for more information.
Date: 27th March 2009
Compact Debate
At the Compact Annual Meeting in December 2008, the results of the three-month debate on the future of the Compact were announced and there was significant agreement on the way forward. In 2009, there will be an update to the national Compact and codes, and an attempt to make the Commission for the Compact fully independent from government, with some powers of investigation to use for cases of Compact disputes. Find out more about Compact Voice's position on the future of the Compact Debate
Date: 15th Jan 2009
Independence Report
Compact Voice have published a report on how the Compact can help sector organisations strengthen their independence. The Independence Report: Dancing to our own Tune, was launched at a reception at No.11 Downing Street on 5th November 2008.
Date: 15th Jan 2009
Join Us
Conference Feedback
"Organisation and professionalism was first class" Local CVS worker