The Trafford Compact

A Code of Practice for work between the

Voluntary and Community Sectors of

Trafford and Trafford Council

__________

TRAFFORD

—— METROPOLITAN BOROUGH ——

putting the community first

Introduction

The Trafford Compact is a framework for the Voluntary and Community Sectors and Trafford Council to work together. It sets out the principles and commitments for joint working.

The Partners in the Trafford Compact

The partners are:

• Trafford Council

• Voluntary and Community Sectors

The Voluntary and Community Sectors cover a wide range of organisations. It includes charities, community organisations, sports and arts groups and campaigning groups. They cover all areas of the Borough and all issues. This diversity is one of the great strengths of the Sectors.

The organisations and groups are independent and set their own aims and objectives and how they will achieve them.

Voluntary Community Action Trafford - or VCAT - have taken a leading role in developing this Compact. They are Trafford's development agency for the Voluntary and Community Sectors.

Status of the Trafford Compact

This Compact is based on a national one between the Government and the Voluntary and Community Sectors (represented by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations). The national agreement states that all councils should enter into a local Compact by April 2004.

It is not a legally binding agreement but a voluntary commitment to work together to common standards. All the organisations that have signed up to the Compact are committed to resolving any difficulties together and in an equitable manner.

Shared Principles

All the partners:

• voluntary and community action is an essential component of democratic society

• independent and equal and diverse Voluntary and Community Sectors are fundamental to the well being of society

• Trafford Council and the Voluntary and Community Sectors have distinct but complementary roles in the delivery and development of public services

• the added value of working in partnership towards common aims is a positive step forward for Trafford. This will incorporate building positive relationships with the sectors, encouraging access into the democratic process to ensure the design and delivery of services meets needs

• accountability is important and all sectors acknowledge the need for integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

• voluntary and community groups are entitled to campaign within the law to further their objectives

• Trafford Council plays an important role in funding the sectors and this will be completed in strategic consultation with the sectors.

• access to the democratic process is an important objective for both Trafford Council and the Voluntary and Community Sectors to ensure effective consultation and a clear voice for the sectors. Trafford Council and the Voluntary and Community Sectors will consult on and instigate proposals for effective dialogue within the democratic process

• both sectors acknowledge the importance of promoting equality of opportunity for all people regardless of race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or politics, of social background and to represent diversity and social inclusion in all its forms.

• sustainability is a principle central to the continued development of the sectors.

Shared Commitments

• produce and publish a code of practice on volunteering that includes standards for managing volunteers, measurable targets and a strategy to extend voluntary activity.

• produce and publish a code of practice on funding that includes identifying the funding and resources invested in the voluntary and community sectors and how best to use scarce resources effectively and efficiently.

• produce and publish a code of practice on consultation and involvement that includes how best to involve and consult with voluntary and community organisations, work to communicate effectively between each other.

support strategically the continued development of the Voluntary and Community Sectors,

support and help to develop Black and Minority Ethnic voluntary and community organisations.

promote the Compact to other organisations working in Trafford including public agencies, private companies and other voluntary and community organisations.

Trafford Council is committed to the Borough's Voluntary and Community Sectors. It will:

• recognise and appreciate the strengths that the Voluntary and Community Sectors has including getting users and volunteers involved in services, innovative approaches and a willingness and capacity to experiment and try new ways.

• recognise the diversity of Trafford's Voluntary and Community Sectors and seek the best ways of working with all parts of it.

• respect the independence of the Voluntary and Community Sectors. This includes its campaigning role locally and nationally and that it will challenge the Council and other public agencies on occasions.

• consult with the Voluntary and Community Sectors on issues that affect it and take account of their views in any decisions. This will include allowing sufficient time for the sector to carry out consultation with organisations, users and volunteers.

• involve the Voluntary and Community Sectors in developing policies and strategies that affect the sector or its services.

• involve the Voluntary and Community Sectors in planning and delivering services where this is the most effective way of meeting people's needs.

• will support the Community and Voluntary Sectors by funding, non-financial support and help it to draw in resources to the Borough.

• have transparent and coherent funding agreements with voluntary and community organisations.

• have consistent policy and practice toward the Voluntary and Community Sectors across Council services.

The Voluntary and Community Sector's Commitments

The Voluntary and Community Sectors will:

• maintain high standards of governance, conduct and openness. This includes legal and accounting standards and guidance issued by the Charity Commission or other national bodies.

• develop quality standards appropriate to different groups and activities. This includes best practice and equal opportunities.

• encourage active consultation from service users, carers, volunteers and members.

• ensure that any evidence or information from the Voluntary and Community Sectors is accurate and unbiased.

• promote partnership working within the Voluntary and Community Sectors and with other partners such as Trafford Council.

• campaign to improve practice, policy and services.

• promote good practice with other groups and Trafford Council.

• recognise that the Council's financial support to the Voluntary and Community Sectors depends on its budget position.

Action Plan and Annual Review

This Compact sets the key points of the relationship between the Council and the Voluntary and Community Sectors. To make sure this is put into practice, the Council and VCAT will agree an Action Plan that sits alongside the Compact. This will set out who is going to do what and when.

The Council, VCAT and the Voluntary and Community sector will review the Compact Action Plan once a year at the VCAT conference.

Signed: