VCS: Worcestershire Compact

The Worcestershire Compact is the agreement that determines how we work with the Voluntary & Community Sector.

It was created after broad discussion and consultation with VCS representatives and adopted by the Worcestershire Partnership Board. It was officially launched in June 2008.

The Compact determines the working relationship between all statutory bodies and the VCS in Worcestershire – not just the County Council.

The Worcestershire Compact Summary explains:

"Worcestershire's Compact recognises the important role that the VCS plays in the way that services are delivered to local communities. In particular, they often provide services at a very local level, and are able to reach people and communities that other organisations don't reach. The voluntary sector also has the ability to mobilise significant numbers of volunteers and plays an important role in speaking up for people who aren't able to speak up for themselves.

"Worcestershire's Compact will provide a very clear framework for the way that statutory and VCS organisations get together to provide services and should mean that Worcestershire residents receive better services that are provided in a way that is right for them. It will also ensure respect and equality between the different organisations."

The Worcestershire Compact Steering Group promotes and supports the effective engagement of the VCS in the work of the district and countywide Local Strategic Partnerships and the implementation of the Local Area Agreement in Worcestershire, using the Worcestershire Compact as a mechanism to ensure a consistent approach. The group is a task group of the Worcestershire Partnership and its Terms of Reference are available below.