VAC - A Compact for Camden

Camden Compact

Follow this link for a pdf copy of A Compact for Camden

Follow this link for a PowerPoint presentation about A Compact for Camden (requires PowerPoint or a compatible programme to open.)

Follow this link for the notes that accompany the PowerPoint presentation.

'A Compact for Camden' was drawn up in the late 1990's by a Compact Steering Group (a multi sector-working group) and was the subject of extensive consultation. The Compact is a framework for partnership working in Camden and focuses on the relationship between the voluntary and community sector and the statutory sectors. It was officially launched on the 1st November 2004.

The primary purpose of the Compact is to provide a framework to enhance collaboration and to govern working relationships between the voluntary and community and statutory agencies, whilst fully acknowledging the independent status of groups and organisations

Other aims of the Compact are to widen the community’s access to decision making processes, develop the relationship between and across all sectors, to improve communication flow and to develop the network between the voluntary and community and statutory sectors. Most importantly the compact recognises that if the primary purpose is to be met a culture change will be required.

The document sets out some key principles and undertakings ranging from respect, open channels of communication, transparency and honesty through to an acknowledgement of the different roles, resources and access to power and influence of the various partners. All organisations that sign up to the compact agree to work together to meet the needs of the people of Camden and to ensure that policies and practices in relation to the local authority, other partners and their users promote equality and social inclusion.

The specific undertakings for public bodies range from recognising the right of voluntary and community sector bodies to manage their own affairs through to allocating resources to the sector fairly in line with clearly stated objectives and priorities. Each public sector body should also have a designated person as the point of contact. In return voluntary and community sector groups undertake to ensure that the principles of the compact underpins working relationships with the local authority and other partners, and to ensure that the compact is discussed and endorsed by the management bodies.

The operation of the Compact is to be overseen by a Compact Group composed of people from the voluntary and community and statutory sectors. The members from the voluntary and community sector are currently Sandy Wynn, Coram Fields, Simone Hensby, VAC and Linda Ferguson, Network of Networks.

You can find out more at www.camdencompact.org.uk

Follow this link for a pdf copy of A Compact for Camden

Last updated January 10, 2008