Sir Bert Massie announced as new Commissioner for the Compact alongside £7m
funding boost
19 March 2008
Phil Hope,
Minister for the Third Sector, has announced the appointment of Sir Bert
Massie as the new Commissioner for the Compact. In his role, Sir Bert
Massie will push for greater public sector compliance with the Compact, the
agreement defining Government’s responsibilities in dealing with charities
and voluntary groups.
Phil Hope has also pledged an increased investment to the Commission for
the Compact of £6 million over the next three years, ensuring it has all
the necessary resources to get the job done. And Compact Voice, which
represents sector interests, will receive nearly £1 million in funding,
also up from the previous year.
Sir Bert Massie brings a wealth of experience to the role as an
international expert in equality and social policy, having worked in the
voluntary sector for 40 years. He has led both governmental and charitable
organisations and has contributed to the drafting of UK legislation
affecting disabled people.
With the increased funding settlement, the Government is confident the
Commission for the Compact will have the necessary resources to
drive-forward its commitment to be a better partner for the sector.
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
“Sir Bert Massie has the passion, knowledge and experience to get the job
done. Working in partnership, government and the third sector can
do much more, particularly reaching the people who are most in
need. I am determined that the Compact underpins all our dealings
with the third sector, and I am pleased we now have the people, the money
and a plan to make the state a better partner.
I also want to thank Helen Baker for her excellent work as interim
Commissioner, building a stronger relationship between the sectors
through the Compact."
Sir Bert Massie said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity of contributing to the work of
ensuring that the voluntary and statutory sectors work together closely
to improve and enhance the services and support they offer to the
public. The Commission for the Compact will ensure that the Compact
is a living document that influences action."
Simon Blake, Chair of Compact Voice, said:
“Compact Voice looks forward to working closely with the new Commissioner
to get the Compact implemented and ensure better outcomes for the people
both sectors serve. The voluntary and community sector is keen to see its
relationship with the Government improve: these are exciting times for
the Compact and now is the time for action. We welcome the
Government’s continued investment in the partnership."
In order to introduce himself in his new role, Sir Bert Massie will be
participating in an online roundtable with the voluntary and community
sector. Over the coming week he will appear on the Compact Voice National
Network discussion forum and address questions and concerns put to him
directly by members of the sector. The new Commissioner will be joined in
the online roundtable by Simon Blake, newly appointed Chair of Compact
Voice, and Carl Allen, the Chair of Local Compact Voice.
The online Q&A will start on the morning of Wednesday 19th March and
finish on the afternoon Wednesday 26th March. The network is open for
members of national organisations but for the following week it will be
open to everyone. You can browse the network and sign up via the links
below.
The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) has also agreed an implementation plan
setting the key milestones on the path to partnership. Developed in
coordination with Compact Voice and the Commission, the plan lays out what
is expected from each of the three partners in order to improve the impact
and support of the Compact. Further details can be found in the
Compact section of the OTS website.
