The Local Compact

Working Together - A Local Compact for North Somerset

Compacts were introduced by the Government in 1998 in order to improve the relationship between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector. There is a national Compact for national organisations and Regional and Local Compacts are being drawn up across the country.

A Compact is an agreement between voluntary and community groups and the local or county council and other public bodies. Its purpose is to: -

• Set standards for communication, consultation and support
• Provide a practical tool to help work together in formal partnerships and on the ground
• Establish undertakings on both sides and mechanisms to make sure it works



The Compact is supported by a series of Codes of Practice which specific areas of work. A properly established and implemented Local Compact agreement should enable groups and organisations to:

• Contribute to the development of services needed by the community
• Further their cause
• Improve relationships with local authorities
• Make best use of external funding
• Become involved in best value and community planning
• Set standards for communication, consultation and support
• Provide a practical tool to help work together in formal partnerships and on the ground
• Establish undertakings on both sides and mechanisms to make sure it works



North Somerset's Local Compact was developed through joint working between those organisations and officially launched at the North Somerset Partnership Stakeholder event in November 2005. Its purpose is to:-

Click here to download Working Together, an outline of the North Somerset Compact