Compact
- What is the Northumberland Compact?
- Associated codes
- Summaries
- Supporting the Compact
- What is the Compact Reference Group?
- Compact Champions
What is the Northumberland Compact?
The Northumberland Compact is a short and simple agreement between the public sector and the voluntary & community sector (VCS). It is a commitment from both sides to work in partnership for the benefit and support of local communities.
The Compact establishes the ground rules for the relationship between VCS and public bodies. Success depends on individual and organisational commitment to a healthy relationship as well as the extent to which the principles of the Compact are adopted by both sides.
The Northumberland Compact was launched in the summer of 2005 when about 25 public bodies and VCS support organisations signed up to it. Since then that figure has grown to over 50. For a full list of those organisations in both sectors which have signed up to the Compact principles follow this link. In June 2010 a refreshed Northumberland Compact was launched. You can also download its Introduction. It was developed because the Compact Reference Group recognised that much had changed since 2005 and that it was important to align it to the national Compact which was revised in the autumn of 2009.
Northumberland Compact explained.pdf 330.06 KB
Northumberland Compact - mini version.pdf 66.01 KB
Work is ongoing. A number of local codes have been developed (see below). If you wish to read the National Codes please follow the link to the Commission for the Compact http://www.thecompact.org.uk/
Associated Codes
There are also codes of good practice developed in Northumberland which cover:
*National guidance relating to commissioning was produced by the Commission for the Compact in February 2009. This should be used alongside the Funding and Procurement Code. CommissioningGuidance.pdf 1.18 MB CommissioningGuidanceQAs.pdf Guidance which enables commissioners to procure in a way that follows Procurement Law and the Compact. Compact & Procurement Law
Summaries
If you are in a hurry, try these handy A4 sheets:
Summary of Northumberland Compact.pdf 82.52 KB
Summary of Funding Procurement Code.pdf 67.62 KB
Summary of Consultation Code.pdf 70.93 KB
Supporting the Compact
It couldn't be easier for Voluntary and Community Sector organisations to sign up. Just download the 'sign up' form, complete and return. Your organisation will then be recognised as a signatory to the Compact.
What is the Compact Reference Group?
The Compact Reference Group represents a mechanism for keeping the principal stakeholders from VCS and public sectors informed and engaged in the process to strengthen relationships between the two sectors. The group meets quarterly and is made up of roughly equal numbers of both public sector and VCS organisations active in Northumberland. The VCS members are nominated by the Northumberland VCS Consortium. Click here for its current membership.
Compact Champions
Compact Champions are nominated individuals who have agreed to promote the Compact in their own organisations. They will promote the advantages of the Compact and act as a conduit to enable Compact information to reach staff within their own organisation. COMPACT Champions.pdf 23.50 KB If you would like to become a Champion please contact George Courtice georgecourtice@ca-north.org.uk
This Compact should be viewed as the starting point from which to build better ways of working together.
And finally, if you are a VCS organisation, seek advice as early as possible, don't hesitate to get in touch if you are concerned about issues in your locality.
