The Home Office is to consult on the future of the Compact, it announced today.

It has launched a consultation document, Strengthening Partnerships: Next Steps for Compact, within which it aims to look at ways in which to move the Compact forward and build on the work that has been done so far.

Proposals include the Compact Plus scheme, as announced by the Home Secretary yesterday, a Compact Champion, who would help them realise those commitments, and a kitemark or accreditation scheme.

Meanwhile, a new Compact Code of Good Practice has been published that focuses on funding and procurement.

Produced by the Compact Working Group in conjunction with the Government, the Code is consistent with Treasury funding rules and covers the whole funding lifecycle, including the principles of a good relationship, programme design, the application process and how to agree on monitoring and reporting financial relationships.

It is believed that by using the Code, the sector and government can reduce the cost of doing business together so that time and resources are focused on frontline delivery.

Sir Michael Bichard, chair of the Compact Working Group, said: “Voluntary and community organisations need to use the Code to ensure that they are paid fully for the role they play and the essential services that they deliver. The sector should use the Code to strengthen their position, whilst government should take this very real opportunity to drive changes forward.”

Charities minister Fiona Mactaggart said that the Compact is an important tool for helping develop the relationships between government and sector and that although progress is being made, more needs to be done. “Good funding and procurement practice is not yet widespread,” she said. “This Code will help change that and ensure a sound financial base for voluntary and community organisations which allow their valuable work to continue strengthening our communities.”

For more information on the Compact Code of Good Practice on Funding and Procurement, visit www.thecompact.org.uk

The Compact consultation will run until July 12 2005 – to download a copy of the document, visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/comrace/active/temp/bright_future.html