Office of the Third Sector Homepage
Last updated: 15 January 2010
"The relationship between Government and the third sector has been transformed since the Compact was launched in 1998. Partnerships between the third sector and Government have flourished, and the third sector, in all its diversity, now plays a vital role in strengthening communities, promoting opportunity, and delivering innovative and personalised public services.
We in Government have played our part, doubling spending since 1997 to a total of £11 billion a year and setting up the Office of the Third Sector in recognition of the increasingly important role played by charities, community groups and social enterprises in our society and our economy. This combination of record investment and greater recognition has created an environment where third sector organisations have become not only an integral part of community life but a major partner to Government in the delivery of public services, working with people at a local level in ways that are suited to their needs.
This refreshed Compact sets out the core principles which the public sector and third sector share and which are the foundation of their activity. It is a clear statement of the Government’s continued commitment to working with the third sector, and will be a valuable tool in helping build strong and successful partnerships for years to come."
The refreshed Compact retains the key commitments of the original but takes into account recent developments in law, policy and practice. It is divided into three key areas covering:
It consists of 95 commitments: 62 for government and 33 for the third sector.
The new structure in the Compact is based on an overall set of undertakings and this will be backed up by a series of implementation guidance for specific audiences, sectors or types of relationship. The Compact therefore sets the overall framework for partnership working between government and third sector while the implementation guidance will be more specific in terms of addressing how the Compact can be implemented effectively at a local or grassroots level. In addition, the Compact also comes with a separate introductory document for those who are not familiar with it.
The launch of the refreshed Compact is a clear symbol of the Government’s continued commitment to working with the third sector and will be a valuable tool in helping to build partnerships in the years to come.
The agreement reaffirms the commitment to issues like 12 week consultation periods and three year funding for example, but also addresses commissioning and equality issues for the first time.
The Compact is underpinned by principles that both government and the third sector share:
Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
“More than ever, a strong relationship based on trust between the third and public sector is crucial for supporting communities and delivering strong public services. The refreshed Compact builds on the lessons of the last ten years and sets out a clear agenda for future partnership.”