Rochdale Borough Compact
What is the Compact?
The Compact is an agreement that aims to improve relations between Statutory Sector, and their associated non departmental public bodies, arms length bodies and executive agencies and Civil Society Organisations (voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprises). The Compact aims to ensure that Statutory Sector and Civil Society Organisations work effectively in partnership to achieve common goals and outcomes for the benefit of communities and residents.
In December 2010 The Coalition government renewed, revised and adopted “The Renewed Compact”. The outcomes and commitments stated in it set the foundation for a productive relationship between the Coalition government and Civil Society Organisations in England
Why do we need Compact?
“The Compact” is founded on the principle that an effective partnership between the Government and Civil Society Organisations will help achieve the following five outcomes:
1. A strong, diverse and independent civil society
2. Effective and transparent design and development of policies, programmes and public services
3. Responsive and high-quality programmes and services
4. Clear arrangements for managing changes to programmes and services
5. An equal and fair society
How can Compact be used?
The Compact can be used in many different ways. Integrating Compact commitments into every stage of a partnership between statutory sector (public body) and Civil Society Organsiations ensures that both parties have clear expectations, ultimately delivering better outcomes more effectively.
Compact is a framework for partnership working and organisations can use it proactively to contribute to a positive working relationship with statutory organisations (public body).
Using Compact to challenge bad practice can result in decisions being changed, bad practice being improved and most importantly enabling voluntary and community organisations to be more effective in their work. It is however important to remember that the Compact isn’t just a list of principals to bring out when things go wrong, take a copy of your Compact to meetings with you and use it as an active tool for partnership working.
The Borough of Rochdale Compact
Public Law
Public law is the set of legal principles that govern the way public bodies must behave and ensure: 1) they act lawfully and fairly 2) they do not exceed their powers.
Public law does not exist as an Act of Parliament, but arises from these principles and precedents set down by the courts.
When a public law case goes before the courts - a judicial review - there is no question of fines or compensation. The courts look at the behaviour if it is found to be unlawful, the judge 1) may quash the unfair decision or 2) if the public body is failing to do something, the judge may order that it carries out its duty, and does so lawfully.
Public bodies you are most likely to be involved with are:
• Local Authorities (Councils)
• NHS Trust
• Central government departments and their agencies
• Other funders such as the Learning and Skills Council and the Big Lottery.
Public Law & Compact
Compact codes generally overlap with public law principles and therefore a Compact breach is also likely to be a public law wrong; you can use the Compact to try to put matters right. If the public body has not signed up to the local Compact use the national Compact and its codes.
Training
Here at CVS Rochdale we deliver a course which focuses on matters relating to Public Law & Compact. The training will help you identify:
• How you can use the Compact when working with a public body
• What is public law and how it affects your organisation
• What happens when things go wrong
• The solutions available to you
For the dates and times of this training click here
If you feel you have a case using the compact, please contact Sarah Harper s.harper@cvsr.org.uk Tel: 01706 631291
