Commission for the Compact Bill

The Compact, established in 1998, is a partnership agreement between the voluntary and community sector and Government which sets out the basic principles underpinning the relationship between both parties. It is not legally binding. In April 2007 the Commission for the Compact was established to oversee the operation of the Compact and the accompanying codes of practice. Its work includes promoting awareness and implementation of the Compact, undertaking research and policy projects, and exploring key themes that affect the relationship between the statutory and voluntary sectors. It is not a regulatory body and does not have any legal powers.

The Bill would place the Commission for the Compact on a statutory basis. It would also give the Commission new powers of investigation where there have been breaches of Compact agreements, access to relevant information, and the ability to impose a duty on others to co-operate with its investigations.