Compact Voice has published the results of a comprehensive survey into the state of local Compacts.
 
The survey is the first in an ongoing annual commitment to improve understanding of – and engagement with – local Compacts across England.

The survey covered 74% of local Compacts across England, and received responses from both voluntary and community sector and statutory sector representatives.

The results provide a mixed, but encouraging, picture across the country.  Please click here to read the survey. 

Following the refresh of the National Compact document at the end of 2010, The Warwickshire Compact has now been refreshed in line and is available to download.  Download the document in full or each commitment individually:

1. A strong, diverse and independent voluntary and community sector
2. An effective and transparent design and development of policies, plans and services
3. Responsive and high-quality services
4. Clear arrangements for managing change
5. An equal and fair society

All current signatory organisations are being asked to re-confirm their commitment to the Compact principles.  As this process is completed, it will be updated on the Warwickshire Compact website, on the the Signatory Register.
 
Should any organisations wish to sign up to the Warwickshire Compact, please get in touch with the Compact Administrator, Lesley Jackson at compact@wcava.org.uk

The National Audit Office this week published a guide to decommissioning, which provides practical tips and advice about working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector.  It provides an example about how the Compact has helped to address some of the challenges of decommissioning in certain areas.

Compact Voice has responded to the government's Best Value Guidance consultation, which was issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
 
The draft guidance was produced in response to Eric Pickles' speech at the NCVO Annual Conference, and makes welcome reference to recognising and honouring commitments established in local Compacts.  In their response, they have reiterated that the guidance should build on the principles of the national Compact.

Download the response to the consultation here.

The Local Government Group have published a guide for new Councillors, which serves as an introduction to local government and covers the main things a new Councillor needs to know. The guidance includes information on the Compact and the Voluntary and Community Sector (page 84). Read the guidance here.

The Warwickshire Compact was ‘refreshed’ at the beginning of this year and has now been formally re-adopted by WCC cabinet and the Warwickshire CAVA board.  We will be writing to all signatory organisations during May, asking them to take the Compact document to their governing body to re-confirm their organisations commitment to the Compact.  The Compact will also be launched to wider audiences and simple accompanying ‘factsheet’ guidance will be produced to aid everyone in actively utilising the Compact.

The CHAIN (Lillington) Ltd have experienced good working relationships with partner organisations.  Geoff White, Chair of the organisation, has written an article, highlighting the changes and support the organisation has had over the years.  To read the article in full, please click here. 

If your organisation has any similar experiences, please let us know.  Contact Lesley Jackson, lesley@wcava.org.uk, 024 7637 1831.

The renewed 2010 Compact has been published by Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society and Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, the organisation which represents civil society organisations on the Compact.
 
The new Compact is shorter and more focused than the previous agreement and aims to create the right environment for partnership working. It is backed by a robust set of accountability and transparency measures outlined in a new guide, also published today.
 
In addition, the National Audit Office will carry out a one-off study into the operation of the Compact across government which will be reported to parliament. This unprecedented level of scrutiny will enhance adherence to the Compact and provide a strong platform for the Cabinet Office and Compact Voice to work together to embed the agreement in day to day relations between government and civil society.

Click here to read the renewed Compact.
Click here to read the Compact Accountability and Transparency Guide

Rugby Disability Forum have experienced 5 years of continued excellent partnership working with their local authority and the county council.  David Foster, Chair of the Forum, writes an inspirational article, highlighting just some of the successes the forum has had over the years.  To read the article in full, please click here. 

If your organisation has any similar experiences, please let us know.  Contact Lesley Jackson, lesley@wcava.org.uk, 024 7637 1831.