Engagement | Compact Voice

The Compact Accountability & Transparency Guide

Cover of accountability and transparency guide

Published by the Office for Civil Society to accompany the Compact, this guide provides information about how to challenge bad practice at both local and national level, and who to contact if partnership working breaks down.

Lewisham: bridging the gap

The commitment shown to its partnership with the voluntary and community sector (VCS) by the London Borough of Lewisham aspires to more than just working together. It recognises that where the sectors work in true partnership their priorities become mutual and the boundaries between them become less distinct.

Watford Borough Council: building VCS resilience in the context of cuts

The relationship between Watford Borough Council and the voluntary and community sector groups it funds is built on openness and trust, which has ensured that their partnership has survived despite facing the full force of the financial storm.

Are regions still relevant?

In my new role as Engagement Development Officer with Compact Voice, I cover three regions – the South West, the West Midlands and the East Midlands. I’ve been trying to build up a picture of Compact activity in those areas and to get a better feel for what’s happening at a local area in the different regions.

Annual Local Compact Survey 2011: Results

This report is an overview of the results of our survey into the state of local Compacts in England. It includes a summary of findings as well as a regional breakdown which draws on responses received from our Freedom of Information Act requests.

Elected members take the lead in Shropshire

Partnership working in Shropshire has been boosted by creating a new leadership role for a Cabinet member who is also a Compact Champion.

Shropshire Council has strengthened its commitment to a Compact approach by appointing Councillor Gwilym Butler to lead on working with the voluntary and community sector (VCS), community engagement and community leadership and governance.

203, it’s the magic number

You will hopefully be aware that Compact Voice launched a survey of local Compacts last month. It’s something that we are pretty excited about … but then we are massive Compact nerds!

The Compact: Increasing my knowledge of geography?

Geography was never my strong point at school, and my sense of direction hasn’t improved much since. The only thing that helps me is remembering the phrase ‘Never Eat Shredded Wheat’ so I can remember the compass points of North, East, South and West. Needless to say, when I took on the role of Engagement Officer covering the North West, North East and Yorkshire & Humber, I knew it would be a challenge in more ways than one.

Comparing local Compacts to drive improvements

By coming together at a sub-regional level to scrutinise the impact of local Compacts, partners in the Humber have gained a unique insight into the current status and future potential of their local Compacts as well as an opportunity to identify and share good practice.

Righting Public Law Wrongs: Challenge Unfairness

This briefing for voluntary groups considers legitimate expectation, an aspect of public law which covers both unfairness and maladministration.