Compacts

Compacts are strategic statements setting out the relationship between individual local authorities and the voluntary sector. Compacts express their shared interests and recognise their respective roles and differences. There is recognition of the independence of the voluntary sector with a commitment to wide and structured consultation.

Usually, Compacts are drawn up and agreed by Joint Liaison Committees and should cover relationships between all parts of the local authority with all interest groups within the voluntary sector and should demonstrate political commitment at the most senior level in the local authority. Your County Voluntary Council (CVC) will know more about the compact in your area, what it says, and how to influence its implementation locally.

Compacts exist in most authority areas, but they vary in terms of their robustness and the ways they are implemented. Also remember that if a Compact does not exist in your area, that doesn’t necessarily mean that no joint arrangements exist. Always talk to your CVC about what’s happening in your area.