Policy
20 March, 2008
New Commissioner for the Compact announced
An increased investment of £6 million pledged over next 3 years
The Minister for the Third Sector, Phil Hope, announced the appointment of Sir Bert Massie as the new Commissioner for the Compact yesterday. In his new role, the Commissioner will push for greater public sector compliance with the Compact, the agreement defining the government's responsibilities in dealing with organisations in the community and voluntary sector.
Phil Hope has also pledged an increased investment to the Commission for the Compact of £6 million over the next three years. And Compact Voice, which represents sector interests, will receive nearly £1 million in funding, also up from the previous year.
Sir Bert Massie brings a wealth of experience to the role as an international expert in equality and social policy, having worked in the voluntary sector for 40 years.
With the increased funding settlement, the Government is confident the Commission for the Compact will have the necessary resources to drive-forward its commitment to be a better partner for the sector.
Commenting on the announcement, Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said -
'Sir Bert Massie has the passion, knowledge and experience to get the job done. Working in partnership, government and the third sector can do much more, particularly reaching the people who are most in need. I am determined that the Compact underpins all our dealings with the third sector, and I am pleased we now have the people, the money and a plan to make the state a better partner.'
Chair of Compact Voice, Simon Blake, added that -
'Compact Voice looks forward to working closely with the new Commissioner to get the Compact implemented and ensure better outcomes for the people both sectors serve ... We welcome the Government's continued investment in the partnership."
The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) has also agreed an implementation plan setting the key milestones on the path to partnership. Developed in coordination with Compact Voice and the Commission, the plan lays out what is expected from each of the three partners in order to improve the impact and support of the Compact.
For more information, see the Cabinet Office press release Sir Bert Massie announced as new Commissioner for the Compact alongside £7m funding boost.
See also the related rightsnet policy new stories -
- LSC is 'committed' to the Compact: Working with the Compact Advocacy Programme to improve relationship with VCS (13 November, 2007)
- Compact work programme announced: Commission launches draft business plan for taking the Compact forward (18 April, 2007)
- Government not playing fair with Third Sector: Home Office tops complaints list for failing to meet Compact agreement (28 March, 2007)
- First Commissioner for the Compact appointed: Former Chief Charity Commissioner to take up post later this year (31 August, 2006)
