'Towards a St Albans District Compact'

'A commitment to establishing a positive relationship between statutory and voluntary sectors for the benefit of the local community'

The National Compact recognises that the Government and the voluntary and community sectors share similar values and have a number of complementary functions. It has been developed as a means of improving both parties' understanding of each other and enhancing their relationship. The agreement expresses the commitment of the Government and the voluntary and community sectors to work in partnership for the betterment of society, to nurture and support voluntary and community activity and to jointly influence national policy where appropriate. The Compact sets out the key principles and undertakings, which should underpin the relationship between the Government and the national voluntary and community sectors.

The underlying philosophy of the agreement is that voluntary and community activity is fundamental to the development of a democratic and socially inclusive society. As independent, not-for-profit organisations, voluntary and community groups have distinctive values and a role to play, which is different from those played by the state and the market. They enable individuals to contribute to public life and the development of their communities by providing the opportunity for voluntary action. In doing so they engage the skills, interests, beliefs and values of individuals and groups. The Government and the voluntary and community sector recognise and value the vital contribution made by volunteers and the crucial role of voluntary organisations in helping them to make that contribution.

The framework for the National Compact covers:

• Shared Principles.
• Policy Development & Consultation.
• Funding and Accountability.
• Good Practice

Why the voluntary sector should support the development of compacts

The National Compact is strongly supported by the voluntary sector and is endorsed by the Government. The Compact is a not a legal document but a voluntary code. The extent of its authority and power will derive from the degree of shared commitment from both sectors that underpins it. The national voluntary sector sees the development of the Compact as a positive opportunity to be recognised as an equal in the provision and development of services.

In St Albans District the present arrangement of the relationship between the voluntary and statutory sector can give people the perception that:

• There is no coherent system for dealing with information for the community agencies across the County;
• The criteria for funding can be unclear;
• Policy is developed by the statutory sector and then the voluntary sector is involved at a later date;
• Good practice is not recognised;
• Established arrangements do not take changes in society into account;
  There is often uncertainty about future funding.

By establishing a relationship between all agencies that serve the community many of these concerns can be addressed and resolved thorough partnership working.

What We've Done in St Albans District

Representatives from local voluntary organisations, the local Primary Care Trust, the District and County Councils came together in 2005 to develop a Compact for District. After much work and consultation, an agreement was finally launched in September 2005.

St Albans District Compact 1Mb

Collaborative work is going on across the county to refresh and update the Herts Compact and further details can be found at: http://www.hertsdirect.org/yrccouncil/hcc/partnerwork/hertscpact/

For more information about Compact agreements between the voluntary and statutory sector at a local and national level: http://www.thecompact.org.uk