Providing opportunitues and support for the third sector in Bury

“Working Together – The Bury Compact” - a new name for an existing agreement (it does exactly what it says on the tin!)

On 9th July 2009, Bury re-launched the agreement that sets out how local public and third sector partners will work together. Originally called “The Bury Compact” the name proved confusing so we decided to provide it with a name that describes what it is for - working together.

What is “Working Together – The Bury Compact”?

Not commonly known compared with other definitions a “compact” is also a formal agreement between two or more parties. The Compact is a Government-led initiative to form agreements between the public and third sectors that express principles and understandings that underlie partnership working at its best.

Originally launched in 2004, The Bury Compact was an agreement between Bury Council and the third sector. The revised document brings the Compact up to date and has been extended to include other public sector partners such as the police, fire service and NHS.

There is also greater commitment to making it a living document. Two “Working Together” groups, a Strategy and an Implementation group, have been set up to undertake the development work and activities that will keep public and third sector partners in Bury working together. The Strategy group meets quarterly, with the Implementation group meeting as needed in between to address any issues when they arise.

”Working Together” is accompanied by two supporting documents, a code of practice covering funding and a dispute resolution process. The Funding code presents a general framework to guide actions in allocating and applying for funding. Naturally we hope organisations never need the dispute resolution procedure. However misunderstandings occur, and the procedure is there to give guidance on how the Compact Implementation and Strategy Groups can support both sides when disputes arise.

What will “Working Together” do?

It will help promote understanding between partners and set standards for communication, consultation and support. The ultimate aim of the Compact is better outcomes for people and stronger communities.

What’s in it for the Public and Third Sectors? 

Better relations = better planning = better services

Building relations that change how partners behave, engage and work together will deliver better services. By drawing on the expertise of the third sector Bury can be a greater place in which to live work visit and study. For the third sector, there is consultation and involvement, equality in partnership working and recognition of the value of the sector.

What can you do?

At the Community Conference, B3SDA, Bury Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Bury, and many thirs sector organisations all signed up to “Working Together”. Signing up to the “Working Together” principles is open to all community & voluntary organisations, charities, social enterprises, co-operatives, mutuals & housing associations working within Bury. The links below take you to the documents. If you would like to sign up physically, please contact Andy Walkden andy@b3sda.org.uk