The Compact is the agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector in England to improve their relationship for mutual advantage.  By building better relationships the Compact can help government and the voluntary and community sector work better together for the communities they serve.

The Compact in England was drawn up in partnership following extensive consultation with the voluntary and community sector and Government Departments. It was published in 1998.

The Compact is deliberately not exhaustive but, recognising the diversity of the voluntary and community sector and its activities, it represents a reciprocally beneficial and constructive relationship between the statutory and voluntary sectors.

It is a framework for partnership working between Government and the voluntary and community sector.  It recognizes the contribution the voluntary and community sector makes to society.  Its key principles:

-         That a healthy voluntary and community sector is part of a democratic society

-         That working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector can result in better policy and services and better outcomes for the community

-         That partnership requires strong relationships eg integrity and openness

-         That Government can play a role as funder of the voluntary and community sector

-         That the independence of the voluntary and community sector should be respected. 

For a Summary Document of the Compact click here.

The Compact and its Codes of Good Practice - on Black and Minority Ethnic Groups, Community Groups, Consultation, Funding and Volunteering - list the rights and responsibilities to which both sectors should adhere in order to make that relationship work.  For more information or to download a copy of the Codes of Practice click here

For more information about the National Compact programme visit www.thecompact.org.uk