Office of the Third Sector Homepage

Main navigation

First Commissioner for the Compact appointed

John Stoker is appointed today as the first Commissioner designate for the Compact – a new role to oversee the relationship between government and third sector voluntary and community organisations.

The appointment of a Commissioner takes the Compact into a new era.

The Compact is an agreement made at both national and local levels that sets out how government and voluntary and community organisations work together in all areas – including consultation, funding, and delivering better services.

Strengthening the Compact is a key priority for the Commissioner – championing its full implementation at every level of government to enable voluntary and community organisations to operate in effective partnerships with the broader public sector.

Immediate priorities for the Commissioner will include working closely with Ministers, senior government officials, regional funding bodies and chief executives of voluntary and community organisations on how to make the Compact as effective as possible.

The Commissioner will take up office on 1 October. Initially he will be meeting and listening to Compact stakeholders through a series of planned events, as well as talking to the sector.

A former Chief Charity Commissioner, Director General of the National Lottery and Chief Executive of the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund, John Stoker brings a wealth of public and third sector experience to this important new role. He was appointed through a joint process between government ministers and sector stakeholders.

John Stoker, Commissioner for the Compact, said:

‘The Compact is at a crucial stage where we can build on its successes, learn lessons, and take it to the next level. I'm very keen to hear what government and the VCS have to say on how best to make sure that the Compact is fully implemented. I expect to see a major difference to the way in which the rules of engagement operate between the VCS and government and will be listening very closely to all of the Compact's stakeholders to determine the best way to achieve this.’

Ed Miliband, Minister for the Third Sector, said:

‘I'd like to welcome John Stoker to this new and vital post as the chair of a new organisation charged with strengthening the Compact. A close and productive working relationship between government and voluntary and community sector organisations is paramount to helping lift the barriers to better performance that exist on both sides. I look forward to working with the Commissioner for the Compact and the new organisation to make this relationship stronger.’

Chris Kelly, Chair of the Compact Working Group and of the NSPCC, said:

‘I am delighted with the appointment of John Stoker as Commissioner to oversee the Compact. Ensuring implementation of the Compact principles happens everywhere still needs work. John's appointment gives a real chance to make a step change in the relationship between the public and voluntary sectors, from which everyone will benefit. The Compact Working Group, as representatives of the VCS, is greatly looking forward to working with him.’