The Compact
Defra is committed to reinforce the mainstreaming of the Compact into all areas of Defra activities, and encourage good practice through the work of our delivery bodies and those we commission to deliver on our behalf.
The Compact
The Compact is the agreement between the Government and the voluntary and community sector to improve their relationship for the benefit of each other and the communities they serve. The Compact sets out:
- a shared vision and principles
- undertakings from both sides
- Government’s commitment to respect the independence of the sector
- systems to help make sure that the agreement works.
For further information see www.thecompact.org.uk
Defra’s Objectives
Defra objectives for the implementation of the Compact are as follows:
- To mainstream the operation of the Compact and its codes into all areas of Defra activity giving priority to the Funding Code.
- To encourage all its Agencies to apply the Compact in their dealings with the voluntary and community sector and to require a report on the extent to which they do this.
- To build a strategic relationship with the voluntary and community sector across the Department (in line with our vision).
- To monitor performance in implementing the Compact and to report annually to the Defra Board and Ministers.
Defra Compact Group
In June 2003 the Department established the Defra Compact Group (made up of Defra officials and voluntary and community sector representatives) to oversee the action plan. The aim of this group is to work together to build mutual understanding between Defra and its voluntary and community sector stakeholders. The group meets quarterly.
Further information
Full Cost Recovery
In response to the concerns on understanding of the issues, raised at the Working Together Conference: Implementing the Compact Code on Funding and Procurement within Defra, the Defra Compact Group commissioned work to increase our understanding of the progress made to date in implementing FCR (both within Defra and amongst our VCS stakeholders) and to explore the challenges and opportunities involved in taking the full cost recovery agenda forward.
Defra published the report on Full Cost Recovery on 2 November 2006.
What is Defra’s position on Full Cost Recovery?
No activity can be undertaken without the need for support functions, and funding bodies, including Defra, have an interest in ensuring that organisations are able to manage and administer activities properly.
Defra aims to ensure that we create a level playing field for all the sectors that we work with and that we apply the principles of full cost recovery in our funding relationships with the voluntary and community sector.
Page published: 04 December 2007