Supporting voluntary organisations

The Compact & You: A Guide for the Black & Minority Ethnic Voluntary Sector

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.

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.

So how is Government doing on the Compact?

Recently, the National Audit Office published their long awaited report on how central government is implementing the Compact. It’s certainly interesting reading – containing some things we had expected, as well as some surprises – and it sends a clear message both to the government and the sector that more needs to be done to ensure stronger implementation of the Compact.

Gateshead: A winning partnership

Partners in Gateshead have developed a series of innovative projects and policies, including Community Asset Transfer Policy, the Gateshead Volunteers Big Idea, and a Commissioning Improvement Policy. The local Compact enables the Council to commission a number of its services to the Voluntary and Community Sector, ensuring a strong partnership and a strong sector.

Is transforming local infrastructure a good thing?

One of the things I like about my job is that I get a great overview of what current key issues for the voluntary and community sector are, and get to know what is happening locally. We all know that this is a time of change and upheaval, brought about by shrinking resources and a new policy agenda. The emphasis is on doing things differently and on finding innovative ways to provide services.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service breathes new life into the Compact

Sue Beer, Dover Compact Officer, and her colleagues have been working with Kent Fire and Rescue Service. They have been exploring how cross sector working can benefit both the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and the Fire Service. Positive steps have been taken to create a close relationship which improves the safety of local people.

Compact Voice Impact Report 2010

Published by Compact Voice in 2011, the Impact Report highlights the key activities and achievements delivered by the Compact Voice team during 2010.

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.

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.