Policy
28 March, 2007
Government not playing fair with Third Sector
Home Office tops complaints list for failing to meet Compact agreement
According to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) the government is failing to adhere to the 'fair play' rules set out in the Compact agreement and is failing to stick to their obligations.
The Home Office tops the list of government departments about whom complaints have been made for not adhering to the rules set out in the Compact, which is an agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector to improve their relationship for the benefit of communities.
While the Home Office tops the list a number of other government departments including Communities and Local Government, Constitutional Affairs, Education and Skills and Work and Pensions have all received complaints from Third Sector organisations.
Voluntary organisations have used the NCVO Compact Advocacy Project in an attempt to address a range of issues which include government not -
- paying organisations in advance for delivering key services;
- giving enough time to respond to consultations;
- paying organisations the full costs of delivering services; and
- discussing the risks of projects up front.
Responding to the findings Saskia Daggett, Compact Advocacy Manager at NCVO, said -
'Government agreed to the Compact, which sets out mutual ‘fair play’ between the voluntary sector and the State, almost ten years ago. However, our case load suggests that too often Government is not playing by the rules, and many voluntary and community organisations, and the people who depend on our support, are suffering as a result.
We believe this is the time for action – we are calling on all levels of government to 'play fair' and stick to the Compact.'
The Compact Advocacy Project has also highlighted good practice with the Department of Health singled out for praise in its move towards being fully Compact compliant following difficulties last year when it admitted being in breach of the compact over late decisions on grant decisions.
Source: Home Office is worst offender in list of broken agreements with charities - NCVO
For more background information see the related rightsnet policy news stories -
- Legal Service Commission commits to Compact: Recognisable partnership proposed for Commission and the voluntary sector (2 March, 2007)
- LSC in breach of Compact, say advice networks and agencies: Lack of partnership working underpins flawed relationship (13 December, 2006)
- Legal Services Commission Unified Contract: Advice Services Alliance calls for consultation to be withdrawn (13 December, 2006)
- 'Delivering better together' : Voluntary and community organisations encouraged to get involved in Compact Week (1 November, 2006)
- First Commissioner for the Compact appointed: Former Chief Charity Commissioner to take up post later this year (31 August, 2006)
- Department of Health breaches voluntary sector Compact: Charities face hardship as grants are delayed (19 April, 2006)
