The Herefordshire Compact

What is the Compact?

The Herefordshire Compact provides a mutually agreed framework to promote and support partnership working between the voluntary and community sector (also called the third sector) and public bodies to benefit people living in the county. It is more than a document - it is a way of working that recognises the benefits of working together better.

The Local Compact Working Group (LCWG) for Herefordshire is responsible for the consultation, development, adoption and implementation of the Herefordshire Compact, associated Codes and accompanying implementation plans. Membership of the Group is wide ranging and broadly drawn from representatives of the Herefordshire Partnership.

Herefordshire adopted its countywide Compact in January 2008.

The Compact is due to be re-launched and will be available at the end of April 2012.

Briefings in all sectors will follow.

If you have any queries about the Compact, or would like further information please contact Alex Fitzpatrick afitzpatrick@herefordshire.gov.uk in the Community Development team at Herefordshire Council

Compact codes of practice published to date cover:

• Volunteering
• Informing, Consulting and Partnership
• Funding and Procurement Code

When things go wrong
Compact breaches are rarely deliberate. Many disputes can be settled amicably by simply raising the issue with the other party and this should always be the first step. The Compact Resolution Procedure gives a framework for settling disputes which are more complex and may need mediation, or an objective view, to find a resolution. It also provides a way for lessons to be learnt, similar disputes to be avoided in future and positive working relationships to be maintained.

A final report has been produced by the Compact Code Implementation Group which was established in 2006 to oversee the implementation of good practice in funding and procurement in the health and social care sector in Herefordshire. This group disbanded in March 2010, and felt it important to highlight Compact issues which needed to be considered, particularly when embedding good practice in funding and procurement, across the whole of Herefordshire Partnership.  It is now the role of the LCWG to take this work forward.

Related information

The Compact Website

Compact Voice

Contact: compact@herefordshire.gov.uk  01432 383038 Community Development, Homes & Communities, Herefordshire Council, PO Box 4, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0XH