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Consultation of Code of Good Practice on Consultation and Partnerships
Local government re-organisation; the creation of new partnerships; the introduction of new legislation that places a duty on statutory bodies to inform, consult and involve representatives of local communities (including voluntary and community organisations) and work around National Indicator 7 on an environment for a thriving third sector have all contributed to a review of the current Code of Good Practice on Consultation and Partnerships.
With input and comments from a wide range of stakeholders from the statutory and voluntary and community sectors in Bedfordshire and Luton, this consultation aims to produce Codes of Good Practice that:
- meet the needs of both sectors
- are relevant, usable documents
- ensure effective and positive working relationships between the sectors
- ensure involvement and cooperation in shaping policy, delivering services and building strong communities.
For more information and to download the documentation click here.
The closing date for receipt of your views and comments is 21st January 2010.
What is the Compact?
The Bedfordshire and Luton Compact is a working document aimed at developing a close, efficient and more effective equal working partnership between local voluntary and community organisations and statutory agencies.
The Bedfordshire & Luton Compact' was launched at the Rufus Centre on 19th September, 2002, with leaders of local statutory and voluntary sector bodies signing up to this historic document. More detailed Codes of Good Practice in respect of Funding, Volunteering, Consultation & Partnership and Equality & Diversity were published in July 2004, together with a Monitoring & Mediation Policy.
You can download the following Compact Documents: -
Taking the Compact Forward in Bedfordshire & Luton
Whether you represent a voluntary or statutory organisation, please carry out these three simple stepsthat will assist in taking the Compact forward in the County:
1) Get a copy of the Bedfordshire and Luton Compact
You can download a copy of the Compact and the four Codes of Practice (details are set out above).
Make sure that your colleagues and trustees are aware of the Compact and the Codes of Practice.
2) Get your organisation to sign up to Compact
You can either download a signup form:
or contact the Compact Secretariat for a copy at
Compact Secretariat
Bedfordshire and Luton Compact
Community and Voluntary Service
The Bedford Centre for Voluntary Services
43 Bromham Road
Bedford
MK40 2AA
Tel: 01234 354366
info@yourcvs.org
Bedfordshire & Luton Compact Signatories
A list of those organisations already signed up can be downloaded below:
Local Compact Quotes
Central Bedfordshire has agreed to adopt the Bedfordshire and Luton Compact, a working document aimed at developing a close, efficient and more effective equal working partnership between local, voluntary and community organisations and statutory agencies.
Richard Ellis, Director of Business Transformation for Central Bedfordshire said: “Central Bedfordshire and it’s voluntary and community organisations enjoy good working relationships and share many aspirations; dedication to public life, support for the development of strong and healthy communities, and the pursuit of inclusiveness. The community and voluntary sector in Bedfordshire deliver high quality services across all sectors of our communities, and in doing so help us deliver our strategic objectives.
“The Compact builds on these good relationships and will continue with the development of genuine working partnerships that deliver our joint priorities in Central Bedfordshire”.
Colin Poulter, Coordinator for Mid Beds Link a Ride said: “Compact had a direct impact for Link a Ride as it enabled us to enter into a lease agreement for our fleet of vehicles. This provided brand new minibuses and removed the need for capital to repair and renew them. It also gave job security for the drivers and enabled investment in staff training”.
Martin Trinder, Chief Officer for Community and Voluntary Service added: “In adopting the Compact, Central Bedfordshire has made a clear statement that it values the local voluntary and community sector, which has a unique role as an advocate for local people, particularly those marginalised in society, and as a service provider”.
John Gelder, Director of Voluntary and Community Action summed up: “The Compact will provide an excellent framework for consultation and partnership working and we welcome the opportunity this presents to engage with Central Bedfordshire in the development of services to improve the quality of life for local residents and those who use the services provided by the sector”.
Useful Links
Commission for the Compact Report: What makes a Successful Compact
Download: Commission for the Compact Report: What makes a Successful Compact
Beds & Luton Compact Secretariat
If you would like more information please contact Secretariat at Community and Voluntary Service. They can also provide you with more information information about how your organisation can become a signatory and advise you on support should your group come in to conflict with a local authority.
Compact Secretariat
Bedfordshire and Luton Compact
Community and Voluntary Service
The Bedford Centre for Voluntary Services
43 Bromham Road
Bedford
MK40 2AA
Tel: 01234 354366
info@yourcvs.org
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