Briefings and responses

Compact Voice have responded to the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) consultation into 'Improving local government transparency'.

This update was produced as part of Compact Week 2012. It contains an overview of some of the work Compact Voice has undertaken with various departments over the preceding 12 months, and a information on how each central government department is taking an active role in promoting the principles of the Compact.

As part of the Compact Week conference in 2012, Compact Voice hosted a panel debate where speakers discussed the question 'what can voluntary and community organisations expect from government in the age of localism?'.

We also asked a selection of leading figures and opinion formers in the voluntary and public sectors to share their thoughts on the topic, and compiled their answers into a single document. This is available to download here.

This briefing aims to help local Compact groups to get to grips with the concept of social value - and in particular the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, which comes into force in January 2013.

It provides an overview of what social value is, describes the key aspects of the Act, and discusses how it relates to the principles contained in both the national and local Compacts.

Practical Wisdom R2Z, a consultancy firm, are currently undertaking research on behalf on the Welsh Assembly Government. The research is looking into whether or not Compact agreements in Wales should be made a statutory requirement. Below is Compact Voice's response.

In July 2012, Oliver Letwin, Minister for Policy in the Cabinet Office, issued a written statement introducing new guidance about how government will undertake consultations.

This statement reiterates our position on these changes, outlines implications for local Compact groups and lists next steps.

This briefing note provides information about how the principles of the Compact and their use locally can help deliver better communities.

It highlights how these principles are complementary to those found in the Department for Communities and Local Government’s recently published ‘Best Value Statutory Guidance', and gives practical advice about how both can be used to ensure more effective partnerships.

This briefing was jointly produced by Compact Voice and the Department for Communities and Local Government. 

This guidance addresses some previously given reasons that statutory bodies have given when they have been reluctant to sign up and give their full support to their local Compact.

It aims to challenge inaccuracies and misconceptions, and also gathers together background information about the Compact.

It also provides several examples of where the Compact has had a positive impact on local partnerships.

Since the renewed Compact was launched in December 2010, a number of initiatives and policy developments have been introduced which contribute to the policy landscape it operates in. The information in this briefing note provides an overview of some of these developments and links to further resources. It identifies the clear link between current government initiatives and the Compact.

Voice4Change England, a member of Compact Voice's board, have produced this guide, which aims to support BME Voluntary and Community Organisations to implement and understand the Compact.