1.1 Dudley Borough is fortunate is benefiting from a tremendous diversity and energy among its voluntary organisations and community groups. The contribution of this voluntary and community sector (VCS) is vital to promoting the quality of life for thousands of local people.

1.2 Overall, there are very good relationships, not only within the sector, but also through the many different partnerships with statutory agencies and local businesses. While we can look back and see the many successes of individual groups and partnerships, there is nevertheless a recognition that we can improve. Stronger relationships can be forged, based on respect for the role of the VCS and a commitment to working within a clear partnership framework.

1.3 The Local Compact lays the foundations for establishing this framework. It sets out the key principles that will shape the future relationships between the voluntary and community and public sectors. The values of our partnership, the emphasis upon trust, openness and inclusion, need to be expressed in the everyday contact and engagement between partners. We want to avoid creating just another policy document. Our aim is much more challenging, and more essential, to use the ongoing development of the Local Compact to signal our determination to make the aim of better partnership working a reality across the borough.

1.4 The Compact has been developed through joint work between the sectors, and we value the opportunity for further discussion and input. We also recognise that this will be essential to achieve community confidence in our intentions and our commitments.

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What is the voluntary and community sector?

2.1 The VCS should be seen as covering a broad spectrum stretching from large national charities to the smallest informal community groups. It can cover campaigning organisations, housing associations, faith based groups, ethnic minority community groups, sports or arts groups, environmental organisations and a great variety of others. It is also recognised that our voluntary and community organisations are at varying stages of development, and will therefore have differing needs in terms of engagement with the public sector agencies.

2.2 'Voluntary organisations' are usually seen to be concerned mainly with the provision of not-for-profit services, and most are charitable in nature. Voluntary committees govern them, while their activities tend to be carried out by paid and/or volunteer workers.

2.3 'Community groups' tend to be membership organisations, bringing together people who have a common concern, cause, interest or belief. They are usually less structured, with members running the group’s activities as volunteers, making up the management committee, and often being the group’s primary users.

2.4 The differences between voluntary organisations and community groups, where they can be distinguished, are important because they have implications for:

whether they are able to provide direct services
types and amounts of funding
how much and what kind of support they need
how they should be involved in consultation processes

2.5 The important principle for the Compact is that there is an inclusive approach so that organisations or groups can be included within the bounds of the Compact if it is mutually beneficial to do so.

Why are voluntary and community groups valued?

2.6 Voluntary and community activity is felt to be crucial to the development of Dudley Borough as a thriving, confident community where people are proud to live, work and learn. Voluntary and community groups:

Act as advocates for particular communities, either geographic or of shared interests;

Can provide excellent community links, particularly with those who might be regarded as hard to reach;

Can provide effective services to local people;

Have a capacity to innovate, experiment and test new ideas;

Can create employment and opportunities for self-fulfillment;

Promote change, involving the local community;

Provide people with the opportunity to influence issues which affect their lives;

Can help promote equality and diversity;

Provide opportunities for volunteers to contribute to improving the quality of life for the people of the Borough.

The value of volunteers

2.7 Volunteering has been described as 'an important expression of citizenship and essential to democracy. It is the commitment of time and energy for the benefit of society and the community, and can take many forms. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain.’ Volunteers become involved in a variety of ways including:

Helping to provide a service within an organisation on an unpaid basis;

Helping to run a voluntary or community organisation as a trustee, board or committee member;

Serving as a non-executive member of a public body or participating in civic governance;

Involvement in consultation processes or campaigning;

Gaining experience and skills useful for seeking paid employment.

2.8 There are four principles fundamental to volunteering:

Choice - volunteering must be an individual's free choice;

Diversity - volunteering should be open to all, no matter what their background;

Reciprocity - although unpaid, volunteers should expect to gain benefits in return such as a sense of achievement, useful skills and experience, contacts, sociability and fun;

Recognition - volunteers contribute considerable energy, time, skills and experience; explicit recognition of the value of what volunteers contribute to an organisation, the community and to the achievement of social objectives is essential.

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What is the Local Compact?

3.1 The Local Compact is an agreement between the public and voluntary and community sectors in Dudley Borough. It aims to define and strengthen relationships by establishing some principles and actions to which all parties to the Compact will sign up to. The Compact document provides the basis for continuing to develop the relationship over the coming years.

Why have a Local Compact?

3.2 In 1998, the Government published a national Compact with the VCS. This was followed in 2000 by the issuing of Local Compact guidelines.  This government initiative reinforced the determination of the two sectors in Dudley Borough to strengthen relationships, recognising the value and importance of the VCS and making a number of 'undertakings' about ways of working. In recognition of the importance of local relationships, most areas across the country have now developed agreements.

Development of the Local Compact

3.3 Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (DCVS) convened a steering group to develop a draft Compact in Dudley Borough. The draft was shared with members of the Dudley Community Partnership, and underwent a 12 week period of consultation with voluntary organisations and community groups ending in May 2002. The steering group considered comments received during the consultation period and the Compact was then launched at the Dudley Borough Conference in June 2002. The document in its current form is the result of further revisions that took place during 2003 and 2005 to reflect wider partner commitment and progress with implementation.

3.4 The Compact steering group, which reports to the Dudley Community Partnership, is overseeing the implementation and development of the Compact, including targets, timescales and review mechanisms.  The Compact provides a framework for a continuing process of developing better understanding and good practice.

3.5 The approved Compact is not intended to be a document that is never changed.  All parties involved in the Compact will have much to learn and experience will undoubtedly show the need to continue to revise some aspects of the document.

How a voluntary organisation or community group can contribute

3.6 The Compact is important for all voluntary organisations and community groups in the Borough, from small self-help groups to larger organisations with paid staff. Although progress is being made, work on the detail of implementing the Compact has certainly not been completed. The Compact Steering Group, reporting to the Dudley Community Partnership, is overseeing the implementation of the Compact.  Feedback from voluntary organisations and community groups on their experience of partnership working, and the implementation of the Compact, is essential. There will be annual reviews of the Compact through the Dudley Community Partnership, linked to the Borough Conference.

Officer and elected member roles

3.7 Each of the public sector agencies, and within Dudley MBC each directorate, has a Compact 'champion' to oversee the implementation of the Compact within its area of work.  This champion will provide a coordinating point of contact for that service area.  In addition, the Head of Corporate Policy and Research, in the Council's Chief Executive's Directorate, will oversee performance against the Compact on behalf of Dudley Community Partnership.  There will also be a nominated champion amongst Dudley Council Members.

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4.1 The public sector agencies are committed to supporting an independent and diverse VCS, which promotes innovation, encourages volunteering and strengthens the voice of users and local people in the delivery of services. The public sector also recognises the contribution the VCS makes to the economic life of the Borough by attracting substantial external resources to finance jobs and services.

4.2 Voluntary and community organisations are equally aware that, if they are to achieve their aims, they must work closely with the public sector. As well as being an important source of funding and other support to the VCS, the public sector agencies provide a focus for community leadership, and are responsible for planning and delivering many services in which voluntary organisations have a vital interest. It is recognised by all parties that there is much that can only be achieved by continuing close co-operation.

4.3 The Local Compact is a formal acknowledgement of these shared objectives and interests, while respecting the differences in accountability, history and process. It aims to maximise the respective strengths and to develop the best possible services and opportunities for the people of the Borough.

4.4 The following principles and values will direct the two sectors. It is recognised that, while these principles and values are important to all organisations, compliance with them will need to be judged in proportion to the size and/or capacity of the organisation.

4.5 The two sectors recognise that:

Common aims and objectives are required, with the VCS to be acknowledged as an equal partner;

Regular consultation is needed to develop these common aims and objectives and to inform the development and delivery of services;

They have distinct but complementary roles in the development and delivery of public policy and services;

Mutual respect and a spirit of trust are essential to making the Compact a reality;

The promotion of equality for all whatever their race, gender, ability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religion is essential to the effectiveness of the Compact. In recognition of this principle, parties to the Compact are fully committed to development of the local community cohesion agenda;

All parties should strive for integrity, accountability, openness and honesty in all their dealings;

Good communications and dialogue with each other are essential, together with a clear consultation framework.

4.6 The VCS recognises:

 - with funding and accountability

The need to maintain high standards of governance and conduct, and to meet appropriate reporting and accountability obligations to funders and users;

That respect and accountability to the law, and, in the case of charities, respect for the appropriate guidance from the Charity Commission, is required;

The need to develop quality standards appropriate to the organisation;

 - with policy development and consultation

That people who use its services, and its volunteers, members and supporters need to be informed and consulted, where appropriate, about activities and policy positions;

 - with good practice

The importance of promoting effective working relationships with the public sector, and across the VCS;

That users and stakeholders should be involved, where appropriate and possible, in the development of activities and services;

When fulfilling a representative role, the need to inform and consult with its members and users as practicable;

The need to put in place policies for promoting good working practices and equal opportunities in: activities; employment; involvement of volunteers; and providing services;

Participation in a joint review of the operation of the Compact will be required;

The need for the VCS to develop a better understanding of the way the public sector works.

4.7 The public sector agencies recognise that:

A w ell developed, independent and diverse VCS is fundamental to the social and economic well-being of the Borough;

Voluntary and community organisations are entitled to exercise their role as advocates and campaigners in order to advance their aims;

There is a range and diversity of groups, interests and views within the VCS;

Many services are or could be provided most effectively by or in partnership with the VCS;

The VCS already plays a significant role as a provider of services in the borough;

The public sector has a significant role, particularly as a provider of resources, in supporting the VCS and recognises the added value which such support can bring;

Effective fulfilment of this supportive role involves a responsibility to work within a strategic framework that provides consistent and constant support for the VCS;

Public sector funding will need to be focused on organisations and issues that help it to meet the priorities stated in the Borough's Community Strategy;

Public sector board/elected members and officers need to develop a better understanding of the nature and role of the VCS;

Coordination of the policies of and service delivery and investment by the public sector, in line with the agreed strategies of Dudley Community Partnership, is vital to the successful development of the sector.

4.8 Three key areas where these principles will apply are:

1. Strategic co-operation
2. Information, communication and consultation
3. Funding resources and support

Each key area will require more detailed 'good practice guides' to be drawn up at the implementation stage.

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5.1 The public sector will:

Develop a Dudley Community Partnership-wide approach to the VCS to ensure there is proper coordination and consistency;

Be open and accessible to the VCS particularly, for example, on decisions about funding;

Meet its statutory duties in its relationship to the VCS.

5.2 Individual organisations or groups in the VCS will:

Ensure that their members and supporters are informed and consulted about the policy positions that the organisation intends to take:

Involve service users, wherever possible, to inform the development and management of services;

Operate within the law;

Uphold clear, minimum standards, including those around fairness, equality and inclusion, that are appropriate to the organisation.

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6.1 The following principles will guide communication and consultation between the parties:

A variety of mechanisms are needed to ensure an effective flow of information between the sectors;

The VCS requires regular and clear information about the public sector agencies and services, their roles and functions, and named contact people within each agency;

Methods of consultation should take account of the diverse nature of the VCS;

Consultation can address the whole VCS, a sample, or targeted groups, depending upon the issue(s); consultations should include groups or organisations which have an interest in, or who will be most affected by the issue(s);

Consultation processes should be clear, open and accessible;

Consultation should include adequate information about the issue(s) in a form that is meaningful to groups; accessibility of information is of great importance, with plain English, community languages and accessible formats required as appropriate;

Consultation will allow 12 weeks, wherever possible, for a response to be made and will explain why if a shorter time period is given;

Responsibility for decision-making on matters of public sector policies and practices ultimately rests with the respective agencies;

Feedback from consultation exercises should always be given, including reasons why resultant decisions were made.

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7.1 The two sectors:

Aim to work co-operatively on external funding regimes with the aim of improving the accessibility of these funding sources, particularly for disadvantaged groups;

Recognise the value that the VCS provides in delivering services within the Borough.

7.2 The public sector agencies:

Recognise the importance of their role as a funders and providers of other resources to the sector; and will aim to provide stability to the core resourcing of the VCS to enable groups to plan ahead and to generate additional funding and resources;

Are committed to publishing clear policy objectives with respect to funding, service level agreements and contracts;

Are committed to developing other ways of resourcing the VCS, including support in kind, premises and leases, equipment, staff time and training;

Are committed to developing good funding policies and practice, in conjunction with the VCS.

7.3 Particular work will be focused on improving funding policies and practices in the following areas:

Accessibility of funding

The needs of new and emerging groups;

Advertising availability and timescales;

Clear criteria and information about eligibility, conditions of funding, amounts available, and application procedures;

User-friendly application forms, guidance notes and instructions.

Processing grant applications

Publicised timescales for processing applications;

Information about sources of advice and help.

Decision making:

Clear procedures and criteria for making funding decisions;

Notification within 28 days of funding decisions taken;

Reasons given for unsuccessful applications

Payment procedures:

Written confirmation of the grant offer, conditions, duration of the grant payment arrangements, monitoring and evaluation requirements; and how or why funding might be terminated;

Payments to be made in advance where possible.

A code of practice will be developed to cover funding arrangements, and will incorporate requirements for agreements to:

Be subject to at least annual reviews of performance;

Be appropriate to the services being purchased and provided;

Be negotiated and agreed by all parties;

Be written in plain language;

Comply with Dudley Community Partnership's core values;

Contain clear and agreed specifications for the work involved;

Have systems for monitoring and evaluating the service provided.

Changes to funding:

Advance notification of any changes in grant aid policies and procedures;

Consultation with groups prior to changes in their funding position.

Collaborative working:

Signposting groups to potential support and information within VCS infrastructure and other support organisations.

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8.1 The two sectors are committed to:

Drawing up an action plan and timetable for implementation of the Compact;

Drawing up codes of practice in relation to specific areas of the Compact, where this is felt to be appropriate;

Developing processes and procedures for reviewing the implementation of the Compact;

Developing procedures to deal with disputes between the sectors in relation to the implementation of the Compact.

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Andy Gray (Chair of the Steering Group),
Dudley Council for Voluntary Service, 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3EE
Tel: 01384 78166/573381

Dennis Hodson

Dudley Community Partnership

Studio Unit 22/23

Waterfront East

Brierley Hill, DY5 1XH

Tel: 01384 814756

Geoff Thomas, Chief Executive’s Directorate,
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Council House,

Priory Road, Dudley, DY1 1HF
Tel: 01384 815270

Kenneth Rodney

Dudley Racial Equality Council

16a Stone Street

Dudley, DY1 1NS

Tel: 01384 456166

Alan Torbet

Dudley South Primary Care Trust

Ridge Hill, Brierley Hill Road,

Stourbridge, DY8 5ST

Tel: 01384 366124

Valerie Little

Dudley Beacon and Castle Primary Care Trust

St John's House

Union Street

Dudley, DY2 8OO

Tel: 01384 456111

Ann Close

Dudley Group of Hospitals

Wordsley Hospital

Stream Road

Kingswinford, DY8 5QX

Tel: 01384 244577

www.thecompact.org.uk

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