Voluntary and community groups

In November 1998, the government published a National Compact with the voluntary sector, which represented a statement of support for voluntary and community sector activity and a commitment for local and national government to work in partnership with the voluntary sector.

Local authorities, Primary Care Trusts and other public bodies are expected to enter into local compact agreements with the voluntary sector. The compact and its codes set out a framework to help the statutory and voluntary sectors develop positive, effective working relationships by:

• recognising and building on those things that partners already do well together
• setting standards and making clear commitments about the ways the sectors will work with each other
• creating an environment of mutual trust / respect which enhances partnership working (such as through the Local Area Agreement), and encouraging the voluntary and community sector to be more involved in delivering public services
• providing a framework for mediation should relationships break down

Find out more about community development.