Compact Update
COMPACT and COMPACT Plus
are government initiatives which are supported by National Codes of
Practice.
COMPACT documents set out principles which statutory agencies (like local
authorities, Primary Care Trusts, Police) and their voluntary and community
sector partners follow in their dealings with one another.
Information about COMPACT can be found on
www.thecompact.org.uk
Why does Amber Valley need a COMPACT?
In Amber Valley there are already some excellent relationships between statutory and voluntary sectors. However this is usually based on good relationships between individuals. If these key people leave, we need to ensure that successful engagement continues. Writing down our expectations of one another using COMPACT Codes of Practice as a framework and starting point is helpful for new people joining these partnerships.
What does COMPACT mean for my organisation?
Amber Valley CVS has agreed to the Derbyshire COMPACT principles including areas like funding, consultation, policy development, volunteering and working with black and ethnic minority (BME) groups.
In addition to this, a local action plan has been agreed for Amber Valley between voluntary and community groups and statutory partners of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). The local action plan details very specific steps we can take to improve understanding and work practices.
What is my role in COMPACT?
Your specific role is to be aware of the Derbyshire COMPACT Principles and local action plan.
As a representative of your organisations you can ensure that your work practice supports the local actions for example, ensure voluntary sector involvement in meetings, allow good timescales for consultation
How do we know COMPACT is working?
Local and County action plans are monitored by a COMPACT Champion who attends the LSP meetings and the COMPACT County Steering group.
Comments from individuals within partnerships can be given to Amber Valley CVS or LSP Board Members ( for details see
partnerships). All comments on the way we work together are valid, whether good or bad. This information will be disseminated to partner agencies and groups in an anonymous state to ensure we learn the best way to work together.
COMPACT Plus
Recent Government proposals for COMPACT Plus will require a succinct list of commitments which would clearly specify what we expect from each other.
It is suggested that those who “opt in “ to COMPACT Plus are awarded a kitemark which is renewable following peer review/assessment ( similar to Investors in People models)
Countywide COMPACT Steering Group
A suggestion that the above steering group becomes a sub group of the LAA Governance arrangements was made at a recent consultation event. Both DCC and the Derbyshire Infrastructure Consortium are proposing funding to support additional staff time to put in place local action plans.
