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Norfolk CompactNorfolkCOMPACT

Overview of NorfolkCOMPACT

NorfolkCOMPACT - History

The decision to develop a NorfolkCOMPACT was the result of a number of local and national developments:

  • the Report of the Deakin Commission on the Future of the Voluntary Sector (NCVO 1996)
  • publication of Working in Partnership with Social Services - Guide for Voluntary Organisations published by Norfolk Social Services in 1997
  • publication, in November 1998, of the National Compact on relations between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector in England
  • Government policies and funding processes that demand the genuine involvement of voluntary and community organisations
  • increased need and demand for real partnership working in order to continue to develop quality services
  • a new focus on community involvement by Local Government organisations
  • changes in the NHS, especially Primary Care and the work to develop local Health Improvement Programmes

1999

The unique partnership of 31 Voluntary and Statutory Organisations, VOLCAAN (Voluntary and Community Alliance across Norfolk) project, provided a mechanism for beginning the development of Norfolk's Compact.

The Voluntary and Community Sector committed itself to strengthening its county-wide infrastructure and to working more collectively and strategically. The development of a local Compact was agreed to be a high priority on the way to achieving this.

A Compact Working Group, committed to feeding back to and consulting with their relevant 'constituencies', was set up to develop the Compact.

October 2000

A draft NorfolkCOMPACT circulated for consultation.

Feburary 2001

Agreed NorfolkCOMPACT published.

March 2002

Code of Practice on Consultation published.

0ctober 2002

A NorfolkCOMPACT Conference was held.

Code of Practice on Funding published.

June 2003

Code of Practice on Volunteering published.

A NorfolkCOMPACT Officer with responsibility for developing the Compact was appointed in July 2003.

November 2005

Code of Practice on Equality and Diversity published.

NorfolkCOMPACT Development

National position

The National Compact, developed by the Active Communities Unit at the Home Office, is an agreement between the Government and the voluntary and community sector. It was published in 1998.

It sets out:

  • A shared vision of principles
  • Promises from both sides
  • A government commitment to respect the independence of the sector
  • Systems to help make sure the agreement works

Codes of Practice that cover the following have also been published:

  • Funding and Procurement
  • Consultation and policy appraisal
  • Volunteering
  • Black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations
  • Community Groups

Mediation scheme

The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) operates the Compact Mediation Scheme which is open to all Government departments and voluntary and community sector organisations, who feel that another party has not acted in line with the Compact.

It gives access to a professional mediator for a fee. To access this, contact CEDR directly. The Compact Advocacy Programme can also offer free advice on resolving disputes around the Compact between you and Government departments or agencies.

The Norfolk Position

The Norfolk Compact has been signed by 30 statutory sector orgnaisations {link to list of signatories} - including all the County Council and all seven district councils in Norfolk.

It has also been signed by over 180 voluntary sector organisations.

If your organisation is committed to improving relationships you can sign up to the NorfolkCOMPACT.

Future developments will include:

  • Compact Plus proposals
  • Implementing a Compact way of working for public bodies