Agenda Item 14
Appendix 1
Walsall Compact
Signatories Agreement
Compact signatory organisations agree to follow the points below in their relationships with
Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) in Walsall.
1. Respect the independence of CSO’s to deliver their mission, including their ability to
campaign, regardless of any financial or other relationship which may exist.
2. CSO’s to be invited to engage in planning policies, programmes and services from the
earliest stages of development. Such opportunities will be shared by relevant means
identified and Walsall Voluntary Action notified.
3. Keep a record that demonstrates where signatory organisations have worked with
CSO’s that represent people protected by legislation and other under-represented
groups to understand their specific needs and take these into consideration when
designing and implementing policies, programmes and services.
4. Consider social value as a standard part of policies, programmes and services to be
procured.
5. Demonstrate the most appropriate ways of funding or supporting organisations have
been chosen. These methods could include grants, contracts, loan finance, training,
and use of premises or other support. A clear rationale should be provided for the
decision.
6. Demonstrate that as far as possible all the local community groups interested in a
particular grant or contract have an equal opportunity to access it.
7. Ensure well managed application and tendering processes, proportionate to the
desired objectives and outcomes of programmes.
8. Discuss and agree with CSO’s how outcomes, including value for money and social
value, will be monitored before a contract or funding agreement is signed. Ensure that
monitoring and reporting is proportionate to the nature and value of the opportunity.
Be clear about what information is being requested, why, and how it will be used.
Reduce the bureaucratic burden on CSO’s
9. Commit funding for three years or more. If this is not the best way to deliver the best
value for money, explain clearly what alternative funding arrangements could deliver
the same outcomes.
10. Make payments in advance of expenditure where there is a clear need and where it
represents value for money.
11. To pay organisations within 14 days of invoices being received or the payment due
date.
12. If the project is encountering problems, discuss and agree with CSO’s a timetable of
actions to improve performance before making a decision to end a financial
relationship.
13. Ensure that prime and subcontractors and all other public and private bodies
distributing public money, or delivering programmes or activities on behalf of
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Appendix 1
government, commit to working within the Compact by making it a requirement of
funding arrangements.
14. Where there are restrictions or changes to future resources, discuss with CSOs the
potential implications as early as possible, giving organisations the opportunity to
respond. Consider the response before making a final decision.
15. Give a minimum of three months’ notice in writing when changing or ending a funding
relationship or other support, and provide a clear rationale for why the decision has
been taken.
Civil Society Organisations agree to:
1. Ensure they uphold their independence, and remain focused on their mission.
2. Campaign and advocate responsibly, based on robust evidence.
3. Seek the views of service users, beneficiaries, members, volunteers, and trustees,
where possible, when making representation to public sector bodies. Be clear on who
is being represented, in what capacity, and on what basis that representation is being
made.
4. Ensure eligibility for funding and finance agreement before applying and be explicit
about how they will deliver outcomes.
5. Ensure they have robust governance arrangements so that organisations are well
placed to manage risk associated with service delivery.
6. Be open and transparent about reporting, recognising that monitoring whether internal
or external is an aspect of good management practice.
7. Give early notice to funders of significant changes in management, funding or other
risks to their relationships.
8. Commit to engage in partnership ventures with public sector organisations contributing
to their success and meeting the needs of the local community - e.g. Working Smarter
and Walsall’s Local Area Partnerships.
All signatories agree to:
1. Conduct themselves professionally and with mutual respect.
2. Recognise the role that Walsall Voluntary Action will play in recording and
reporting on compliance with the Compact signatory agreement.
3. Share with Walsall Voluntary Action any issues, challenges or concerns linked to
complying with this agreement.
4. Receive quarterly reports from Walsall Voluntary Action on compliance with this
agreement and report back to them what action will be taken on any points raised
within the report in a timely manner no longer than the deadline for the following
quarters report.
5. Seek Walsall Voluntary Actions support in the role of mediating any issues that
may arise from any party not observing the above points.
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Note: Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) – The replacement description used by the
government for what has been popularly known as third sector organisations or the
voluntary and community sector including social enterprises.
Further detail may be added to this agreement as an appendix to support its
implementation. Including but not limited to. Processes, guidance notes, protocols,
forms, checklists as and where identified they are needed.
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