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Last updated: 30 November 2008
An awareness week is being held to mark 10 years of the Compact, the agreement which sets out how voluntary groups and charities work with the Government. Compact Week takes place from November 1-8 and aims to promote the Compact across Government, public sector organisations and the third sector, highlighting how the Government and the third sector can work together to benefit communities.
The Compact is the framework agreement for relations between government and third sector organisations. It’s supported by Codes of Good Practice covering funding, volunteering, consultation and BME and community groups. It is a tool to help us work in partnership, so we can improve the way policies and services are designed and delivered.
Events taking place during Compact Week include:
There are also many events taking place at local level, with local authorities and their public and third sector partners.
Kevin Brennan MP, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
“Compact Week celebrates 10 years of the solid partnership forged between the Government and the Third Sector, which is something to be proud of.
"The Government is more committed than ever to working with voluntary groups, charities, and social enterprises to deliver public services that benefit society.
"I look forward to the Compact Awards, where we will recognise the real achievements made by individuals and organisations in supporting people and communities, not least the most disadvantaged groups in society.
"We know the Compact is not an end in itself. That is why we continue to work together with the Commission for the Compact, Compact Voice and our other partners across the sector to find new ways of embedding the principles of the Compact - partnership working and innovation - throughout the public sector.”
The Commission for the Compact, the organisation that oversees the Compact, is set to publish a concise Compact guide, designed to act as a reference tool and checklist to help public sector and third sector organisations. Findings of a research report looking at independence issues from a third sector perspective will also be published as part of the week.
Sir Bert Massie CBE, Commissioner for the Compact, said:
“The Compact has the potential to improve the way in which Governmental and voluntary and community organisations work with each other, ultimately benefiting everyone.
"Compact Week gives local areas the chance to promote and raise awareness of the Compact and I am delighted to see so many local events and activities taking place this year.”
As we move into the second decade of the Compact, we need to make sure it is up-to-date and meet the challenges ahead. Compact Week this year coincides with the end of the debate on the future of the Compact, and the Office of the Third Sector will be working with the Commission for the Compact and with Compact Voice in the sector on a review of the Compact to make it stronger.
Compact Week is also a chance to learn about the Compact, and what it can do to help you. If you would like to know more you can contact Tracey Sisley, Central Government and Compact Policy Advisor on 020 7276 6047 or via tracey.sisley@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk, who will be happy to answer enquiries about the Compact.
You can also find further information on the Compact website: