What is the Compact?

The Buckinghamshire Compact is a framework for the relationship between the public sector and the voluntary and community sector (VCS).  It sets out principles and good practice guidelines which both sectors have agreed to adopt, with commitments around funding and procurement, volunteering and consultation.

There are three Compact documents.  The original Compact was published in 2004.  Codes of Practice on Funding and Procurement and Volunteering have developed these priority areas in more detail.

Development

The Compact Steering Group is the multi-agency team responsible for developing and implementing the Compact locally.  It includes representatives of the county and district councils, Primary Care Trusts (PCT), Thames Valley Police and frontline and infrastructure voluntary organisations.

Aim

The aim is to improve the working relationship between the public sector and the VCS for mutual advantage and community gain.  Implementing Compact best practice is integral to building and sustaining a strong and vibrant VCS, a key partner in the successful development and delivery of local services that best meet residents’ needs.

The Compact is not a legally binding document but VCS organisations are entitled to bring complaints against us if we break the terms of the Compact.

There are five key targets which progress is measured against:

1. 12 weeks notice of funding decisions before funding starts
2. Percentage of SLAs or contracts with the VCS that have been agreed for 3 years or more
3. Minimum of 12 weeks for written consultations at least once during the development of a policy
4. Payment of all out of pocket volunteer expenses
5. Percentage of Voluntary and Community Organisations funded by the statutory sector which have quality standards in place

For more information call 08453 708090 or email compact@buckscc.gov.uk

Related files (you may need Acrobat Reader to open)

• The Buckinghamshire Compact (
  Framework for the future working relationship between local public bodies and the voluntary and community sector.
  
• Funding and procurement (
  Buckinghamshire Compact code of practice on funding and procurement
  
• Volunteering (
  Buckinghamshire Compact draft code of practice on volunteering
  
• Compact Actions Guide (
  Explanation of Buckinghamshire Compact and measurable actions
  

Other useful websites (these sites will open in a new window)

• Bucks Compact
• National Compact

We are not responsible for the content of external websites.