COUNCIL’S COMPACT COMMITMENT

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.

The Compact was agreed in 2002 and sets out a series of principles which should underpin the relationship between all parties who are working towards a common goal. It also shows their commitment to:

• Work in partnership for the improved quality of life in society.
• Encourage and support voluntary and community activity.
• Jointly influence planning and policy, where appropriate.

South and Mid Bedfordshire District Councils and Bedfordshire County Council originally signed up to the Compact in 2002 and have seen many positive outcomes achieved through the commitment.

One example is the change that Mid and South Bedfordshire District Councils made to key voluntary sector partner’s funding - changing from annual funding to three-to-five year agreements provided them with long term security rather than annual uncertainty. 

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”.

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”.

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”.

For more information about the Compact visit the Bedfordshire and Luton Compact website.