The Somerset Compact

Gives us a tool to use whenever we need to set ground rules for any new partnership, for discussing and solving differences in partnerships and for improving relations through the partnership
Can be used as a checklist to test different areas of the partnership e.g. a funding relationship
Can be used by voluntary organisations as a leverage tool in their relations with public bodies
Can help us agree practical methods and systems aimed at reducing burdens and improving effectiveness and efficiency

Our Vision and Guiding Principles

Our vision is:
In Somerset, the voluntary and community sector and public bodies will act as equal partners. They will recognise each other’s strengths and work together for the benefit of the people of Somerset.

We have adopted 10 Guiding Principles:

Ownership by all parties
Communication and Consultation
Mutual Respect and Trust
Mutual Understanding
Openness
There is value in things other than money
Accountability for the Compact
Equality of Opportunity
Collaboration and Compromise
Independence and Interdependence

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Codes of Practice

The Somerset Compact has five Codes of Practice on the following areas of work:

Funding
Equality and Diversity
Communication
Volunteering
Consultation

The Codes of Practice set out basic ground rules and the responsibilities of the public sector and the voluntary and community sector.

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Funding Code of Practice

Any relationship based on one partner giving and the other taking money can suffer if the giver is perceived as more powerful and important purely because of that. The aim of the Funding Code of Practice is to provide a framework to clarify and improve the funding relationship that exists between public sector and voluntary and community sector organisations.

Equality and Diversity Code of Practice

Somerset has a rich diversity of people – different races, colours, nationalities, ethnicities, abilities, ages, faiths, genders and sexualities, those affected by rurality and those affected by poverty – all of whom have a right to be treated fairly, without prejudice, and be provided with equal access to opportunity.

A commitment to applying the principles of equality of opportunity is a central part of a fair and democratic society and is vital to the success of the Somerset Compact.

Issues of equality and diversity take many forms. The Equality and Diversity Code of Practice will help to ensure that all the different communities of Somerset can participate on an equal footing.

The intention of all signatories must be to recognise and value the diversity that exists in society generally and particularly in Somerset. They must encourage the inclusion of groups and individuals that have in the past been under-represented or excluded.

Communication Code of Practice

Good communication is at the heart of the Compact. It builds bridges between individuals and organisations so that they understand each other’s roles and aims more clearly. It is a two-way process that involves listening as much as talking, receiving as well as giving. It takes time and energy to be done properly, but it is worthwhile if it stops problems turning into crises, and reduces misunderstandings, disagreements and disputes.

Volunteering Code of Practice

Volunteering makes a major contribution to all aspects of community life in Somerset. Volunteers deserve to be celebrated, supported and treated with respect. Without them, the voluntary and community sector could do little. Volunteering aids the social cohesion of communities and is therefore vital for the successful delivery of community strategies.

Volunteering and best practice in volunteering need to be actively promoted.

Consultation Code of Practice

Consultation is important because it enables those affected by policies to contribute to the policy-making process and can lead to more realistic and robust policies which better reflect people’s needs and wishes. Consultation of service users gives vital feedback, which helps improve, plan and deliver services more accurately and efficiently. Timely, sensitive and effective consultation, like good communication, can help build relationships and partnerships and can aid mutual understanding.

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