Compact Plus

As part of plans to improve funding practice by strengthening the Compact, the Home Office has launched Compact Plus – Strengthening Partnerships: Next Steps for the Compact.

Building on the National Compact, Compact Plus would be a simpler and more succinct tool under which it is clearer to organisations whether their behaviour is compliant or not.

The initiative provides an opportunity for public and third sector organisations nationally and locally to build on the work and time given to the Compact since its introduction in 1998 and influence its future.

Public sector bodies and voluntary and community sector organisations would decide whether they wished to opt into Compact Plus. It would require agreement to the minimum set of commitments. Local (or regional) organisations would be free to make other additional commitments relevant to their circumstances. Compact Plus membership will help to build on the work of existing Compacts to improve partnership working – especially at local level. Opting into the commitments in Compact Plus would entitle organisations to display a new kitemark on their publicity material (similar to the Investors in People standard), and achieving Compact Plus would need to reflect the work and processes involved in reaching this standard;
They would also be able to draw on the support of a new Compact Champion – who would be responsible for assisting organisations in understanding what membership of Compact Plus means. These would include peer reviews and thematic reviews which look at the manner in which organisations are adhering to Compact Plus. Support from the Champion would also be available to organisations working towards Compact Plus;
Members of Compact Plus would need to renew their membership from time to time. The Champion would be responsible for ensuring that only those organisations which are adhering to Compact Plus are able to maintain their membership;
Organisations concerned that a member of the Compact Plus was in breach of one of their undertakings would be able to complain to the Champion who would adjudicate. The Champion would have the power to publish its adjudication, and could potentially withdraw Compact Plus membership, or perhaps impose penalties or award compensation.

Potential Compact Plus commitments
General

Work to mainstream the Compact across your organisatio

Public Sector Bodies

Respect the independence of the sector, including its right within the law to campaign and to challenge policies
Work with voluntary and community organisations to understand the views of citizens and communities and create opportunities for them to influence policies
Where a decision is likely to affect the sector, consult widely and early enough to make a difference, allowing a minimum of 12 weeks
When seeking to deliver public services through the voluntary and community sector, use procurement rather than grants, do not seek information about management fees and overheads, and agree outcomes which capture the additional quality of services which may result from delivery by the voluntary and community sector
Minimise bureaucracy associated with application, qualification, monitoring and reporting, and audit processes and introduce joined-up monitoring and audit arrangements
Implement multi-year funding models and make payments promptly, offering payments in advance of expenditure to organisations wherever appropriate
Share risks fairly between funder and provider, ensuring they fall on those best able to bear them
For projects funded by grants, give a legitimate proportion of funding for overhead costs
Follow best practice in the management of volunteers
Work with the breadth of the voluntary and community sector, including small community organisations, social enterprises, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) organisations, faith and rural groups

Voluntary and Community Sector

Operate through open and accountable organisations ensure policy positions really reflect the views of stakeholders and constituents
Have a real understanding of cost bases and the proper application of full cost recovery
When competing for contracts, clearly set out outcomes which will be delivered
Have robust monitoring, evaluation and financial management systems which provide accurate and timely information to funders and account for public funds
Implement good practice in the management and recruitment of volunteers, providing access to training and support
Embrace diversity and work to improve community cohesion and reduce inequalities

Source: Home Office 2005, Compact Plus – Strengthening Partnerships: Next Steps for the Compact.