Engagement | Compact Voice

From local Compacts to the Big Picture: the Compact Voice annual survey of local Compacts explained

The decision to undertake an annual survey of local Compacts was one that Compact Voice didn’t take lightly as we knew that to do it properly would be challenging. This, the first in a short series of blogs explains the process.

Compact Spotlight on South Gloucestershire

The Compact is working well in South Gloucestershire, thanks to the commitment of a wide range of partner agencies to work together. An active Compact group ensures that the Compact is integrated with key issues such as commissioning and Localism and that there is open and honest dialogue between partners.

Read more about how South Gloucestershire have got to where they are in this 'spotlight' case study.

Annual Local Compact Survey 2012: Results

This is the results of our second annual survey of local Compacts. The survey was sent to every local Compact area in England, with over three quarters providing information about how their local partnership agreement was working.

The report contains detailed analysis of the results, alongside information broken down by region.

Braintree: Using the Compact to guide the transferring of services

By following both the spirit and the letter of the Braintree District Local Compact, Braintree District Council has been able to successfully transfer its highly valued Health Walks Programme to Braintree District Voluntary Support Agency (BDVSA).

A year in the life of an Engagement Development Officer

I have been in my post now for twelve months. The time has gone very quickly as I have been extremely busy.

National Government and the Compact – recent developments (April 2012)

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.

Stockton: Empowering the Voluntary and Community Sector

At a time when many local authorities were making cuts to the voluntary and community sector and infrastructure groups, Stockton Borough Council was doing the opposite. The VCS were fully involved in a consultation to review the funding structures and support packages available from the council, with their views taken on board to make sure the process was done in a fair and Compact compliant manner.

Compact on the agenda at NCVO Annual Conference

Yesterday, Compact Voice's London-based team attended NCVO's Annual Conference. It isn't unusual at conferences to have to explain what the Compact is to delegates who aren't aware of it. They are usually familiar with its principles, though less so their origin. However, yesterday's conference was slightly different: most people I met were aware of the Compact, but many challenged me to convince them why it was still relevant.

The dedicated Compact worker paradox

Let me play devil’s advocate: dedicated local Compact workers can be invaluable in getting local Compacts up and running, but can their influence also prevent the Compact from being self-sufficient?

The essence of good partnership working

We live in turbulent times. Many of the structures for partnership working are changing, evolving and in some cases disappearing. I’ve been pondering the impact of this and reflecting on what the essence of good partnership working really is.