News

Review of the voluntary sector’s skills

Submitted on 10th January 2013 at 16:21

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

Submitted on 14th December 2012 at 16:50

National

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

Submitted on 5th December 2012 at 11:36

Local

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

Submitted on 21st November 2012 at 17:48

Compact

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

Submitted on 15th November 2012 at 12:07

News in brief

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.

Winners of the 2012 Compact Awards announced

Submitted on 7th November 2012 at 23:13

Compact

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!

Submitted on 5th November 2012 at 15:36

Compact

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

Submitted on 1st November 2012 at 10:41

National

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.

Andrew George MP welcomes Compact Week in Parliament

Submitted on 30th October 2012 at 14:16

Compact

Andrew George MP, one of the chairs of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Civil Society and Volunteering, has tabled an early day motion in Parliament welcoming Compact Week, and expressing support for the Compact.

During Compact Week, we're encouraging local Compact groups to email or write to their MP asking their constituency MP to show support for the EDM. We've provided some draft text, which you can download here.

Improving local government transparency: Consultation

Submitted on 25th October 2012 at 15:55

News in brief

The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) have opened a consultation today on improving local government transparency.