This page is part of our successful commissioning toolkit.
The Compact (pdf – 294KB) is a voluntary agreement between the public and third sector in England. It sets out commitments to set the foundation for a productive relationship between government and third sector organisations (TSOs) that will help achieve:
- a strong, diverse and independent third sector;
- effective and transparent design and development of policies, programmes and public services;
- responsive and high-quality programmes and services;
- clear arrangements for managing changes to programmes and services; and
- an equal and fair society.
The Compact between the UK Government and TSOs was renewed in December 2010. [Note 1]
The majority of relationships between public bodies and TSOs exist at the local level and, as a result, all local authority areas have a Compact, based on the national Compact but tailored to take account of differences between areas. They provide a framework for local partnership working. Local authorities and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), as key local strategic partners, are signatories to Local Compacts. All signatories to a Local Compact have a responsibility to work in line with its principles and commitments.
Compact Voice is the key representative body for the voluntary sector on Compact matters. It is the co-signatory to the national Compact, which it developed in partnership with the Office for Third Sector in the Cabinet Office in 2010. [Note 2]
Notes
Note 1: The Compact and the Compact Accountability Guide are available on the Cabinet Office website – http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library.
Note 2: http://www.compactvoice.org.uk
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