Council Volunteers For New Agreement

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Launching The Hounslow Voluntary Sector Compact

Representatives from voluntary groups from across the borough came together for the launch of a new agreement about how local agencies work with the voluntary sector last week.

The Hounslow Voluntary Sector Compact sets out the best ways for the council and other local bodies such as the Police, Primary Care Trust to work with voluntary groups.

The compact underlines the Local Strategic Partnership’s (LSP) commitment to working with the local voluntary sector to improve the quality of life for the people of the borough,

Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Thompson, said, "It impossible to overstate the fantastic work carried out by many voluntary groups across the borough.

“This is the first time that the LSP has agreed the adoption of a local compact, and will bring many positive benefits to all partners on the LSP, and those voluntary organisations that work with them.

“The compact focuses on improving funding practices, increasing sustainability and independence, and increasing the amount of consultation and engagement.

“The strength of the agreement lies in the partnership work that made it possible. By working together to agree the principles upon which we work, we can ensure that this is a live document that will make a real difference on the ground.”

Rachel Fryatt of the Council for Voluntary Services Hounslow said, “The compact that has been adopted by the Local Strategic Partnership will provide a framework for the improvement of working relations between voluntary sector organisations and our statutory sector partners.

“It will see the implementation of at least three months notice of loss of funding, a mix of grants and contracts, with the most appropriate being used and the commitment to three year funding where possible.

“In other areas we will see the introduction of standards for consulting with the voluntary and community sector and better processes for engagement.”

The Hounslow Voluntary Sector Compact includes:

• A framework for developing positive working relationships between LSP partners, when they are working in partnership with the voluntary sector.
• A commitment to the implementation of best practice funding principles, including a commitment to the implementation of three year funding for voluntary organisations and the continuation of grant funding where appropriate.
• A commitment to set in place clear processes for consulting and involving the voluntary and community sector, this commitment puts emphasis on both voluntary and statutory organisations to out in place processes that make best use of the resources available.

 

October 9, 2007