Our Local Compact For: Working Together In Warrington
What Is the Local Compact?
The Compact defines the relationship between the public sector and third sector groups and organisations. It is a voluntary commitment and partnership by both sectors to improve the way we work together. It also offers a framework to support the development of the third sector, encourage partnership working between the sectors so that groups and organisations can do more to meet their own aims and the shared goals of partners, thereby enhancing their contribution to the community.
The Compact follows a number of shared principles which include:-
- Openess
- Honesty
- Objectivity
- Consistency
- Responsiveness
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Equality
- Accountability
How Did It Come About?
In 1998, 'Compact - getting it right together' was presented to Parliament with the aim of improving the relationship between National Government and the third sector. From this, many Regional and Local Compacts were introduced. Warrington introduced its first Compact in March 2004 which was revised and launched at the Third Sector Assembly in May 2009 after consultation. Feedback from the consultation can be found here. This Compact acknowledges the contribution already made by the third sector, and the contribution it continues to make through consultation, participations and partnership working.
Following on from the launch of the Local Compact, the Compact Working Group are now developing five Codes of Practice that will sit alongside the Local Compact: Volunteering, Funding and Procurement, Consultation and Policy Appraisal, Community Groups and Inclusion/ BME.
You can view a pdf version of the Local Compact here. If you would prefer a hard copy please call into the Gateway where a member of the team will be happy to help you.
What Can the Compact do for me?
By working in partnership and following the principles of the Local Compact, you can expect:-
- Better relations
- Successful partnerships
- Effective funding
- Better services
- Meaningful consultation
- Thriving communities
- Disputes being avoided or resolved quickly
Who Is Signed up to the Compact?
Click on this link to find out which organisations are signed up to the Local Compact.
How can I use the Compact to resolve a dispute?
The Local Compact helps promote partnership working and if used correctly, helps reduce disputes. Disagreements can be useful in identifying important issues, and by approaching them in a positive and mutually respectful way they can strengthen relationships.
This guidance has been published to help organisations through the difficulties associated with disputes. It is understood that this guidance may not be suitable for all organisations and often disputes that arise are dealt with by the organisation internally, organisations may decide to undertake any other mediation, appeals or complaint procedures that feels right for them. The Third Sector Partnership Team (TSPT) and the Compact Dispute Panel do ask to be made aware of any disputes under the Local Compact; this will help to identify trends or training needs.
Often, disputes can be resolved informally by the organisations involved. However, where the organisations cannot find a solution the Compact Dispute Resolution Policy can be followed.
Compact Dispute Policy Overview
What information and support is available for the Compact?
This site will be updated regularly with information about the Local Compact in Warrington. Further information about what is happening with the Compact nationally and regionally can be found at:
Compact Commission website - http://www.thecompact.org.uk
Compact Voice -http://www.compactvoice.org.uk
Follow the Compact Commisson on Twitter - http://twitter.com/TheCompact
Compact Voice Regional Report
In spring and summer 2010, Compact Voice held a series of regional events called "Building Better Communities Through Stronger Partnerships". These events brought together representatives from regional and local voluntary sector groups, public bodies and Local Compact implementation groups.
The event was chaired by the Compact Voice regional leader for the North West, Cath Cook, with presentations from Stephanie Saxon's (Partnership Officer, Warrington Borough Council) and Neil Colquhoun (Cheif Executive, Blackpool TSSP).
To read a copy of the report produced from these events, click here.
Other Information:
In 2009 Warrington received an Excellence award from the Compact Commission for the Local Compact. More information can be found here.
For more information about the Local Compact contact Stephanie Saxon on (01925) 248462 or email szsaxon@warrington.gov.uk
