The Compact is an agreement between the Third Sector and the Public Sector to improve their relationship for mutual advantage.

It exists at both a national and local level: one National Compact document and also many localised versions, each derived from the national one but tailored by different city partnerships to suit their local needs.

The Compact is being refreshed, both locally and nationally. The National Compact by the Commission for the Compact and the Leeds Compact by the Leeds Compact Implimentation Group. Consultation is taking place for both now.

The reason behind the refresh?
Since the Compact was launched in 1998, the size, scope and dynamics of the third sector have evolved rapidly. Relationships with public bodies have become more complex, while public bodies better understand the distinctive value of the sector. Many third sector organisations also play a dual role, both as a partner of the Government, and as part of a dynamic civil society campaigning for change, identifying need and providing services.

There is a consensus that a refresh of the Compact is needed to bring the documents up to date while preserving the sound and enduring principles on which the Compact was founded. The refreshed Compact must look and feel relevant to public bodies and third sector organisations of all sorts. It must be free from duplication or repetition. It must be clearer as to what organisations have to do to implement it and to fulfil their commitments under it.

See Leeds Compact and National Compact for more details

For more infomation the implimentation group contact;
david.smith@leedsvoice.org.uk / 0113 277 2227 or
pat.fairfax@leeds.gov.uk / 0113 247 8128