Public Law and the Compact
Ipswich Local Strategic Partnership has won a National Compact Commendation!
One Ipswich LSP is delighted to be in receipt of a National Compact Commendation from the Commission for the Compact. Representatives picked up the award at the Annual Compact Meeting held in Westminster on the 13th Dec 2007.
The Compact in Suffolk
If you wish to use the Compact to challenge actions of a public sector or VCS organisation, please contact SAVO for more information and advice.
For more information on and to sign up to Compact, contact Laura Hack at SAVO at laura.hack@savo.co.uk
The Compact is the terms of engagement between the voluntary sector and government. Regardless of whether or not we have a local Compact, all government and public bodies are guided by the National Compact because it is recognised by the Government and courts as official guidance.
A public body can only break from guidance for reasons outlined in a written statement with evidence. Public Law is the common law framework which insists that public bodies perform the statutory duties and exercise their powers and entitlements, in ways which are transparent, fair and reasonable. Any voluntary, community or enterprising service provider working with a public body needs to be aware of both the private law which affects them like any other business or person and the unique public law, which is used as a check and balance on public bodies.
Public bodies are not however likely to be experts in public law, but a thorough understanding of how their actions, decisions and methods of engagement adhere or contradict public law principles is an area where the best can develop. In Ipswich a major restructuring of the public bodies (through unitary status and local strategic partnerships) is very likely.
A recent "consultation" with the sector about grant investment alarmed ICVS members so much that any impact assessment about the voluntary sector and the proposed restructuring can't fail but highlight serious threats to the sector's sustainability, ability to benefit from the structure and how much the framework we have for working with the public bodies in Ipswich, leaves much room for improvement in order to be fit for today's, let alone tomorrow's purpose. ICVS has been lobbied by a considerable number of its members and we are taking the following actions:
• Proactive involvement and sharing responsibility for consultation linked to unitary local government
• Developing neighbourhood level networking and support to build and deepen relationships between councillors and community/voluntary groups
• Improve our knowledge and the knowledge of One Ipswich partners about Public Law and the Compact which summarise those principles
Our aim is to be a positive partner to our one Ipswich colleagues and our members. We aim to:
• Develop practical and simple ways to help organisations plan for contingencies which might lead to them using the Compact and/or public law to prevent a decline in their relationship with a public body
• Develop our knowledge so that we can challenge, constructively and build capacity to avoid repeating actions or decision making which contravenes public law principles and Compact guidance.
• Develop practical support and training for public body elected members and officers about Public Law and the Compact.
Links for further information about Compacts
The Public Law Project
The Public Law Project is a national legal charity which aims to improve access to public law remedies for those whose access is restricted by poverty or some other form of disadvantage.
NCVO Compact Advocacy Programme
The Compact Advocacy Programme is a practical scheme which campaigns and advocates for the voluntary and community sector. The programme's role is to ensure that government sticks to the Compact.
The Compact
The home site for Compact Voice, based at NCVO. This site provides information on the Compact, as well as downloads, an online register and copies of all local Compacts.
Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution
The organisation used by the Compact Advocacy Programme for mediation. This site provides information on mediation and effective dispute resolution. Please note there are other organisations offering mediation services.
Local Government Ombudsman
Local Government Ombudsmen investigate complaints of injustice arising from maladministration by local authorities and other bodies.
The Parliamentary Ombudsman
The Parliamentary Ombudsman carries out independent investigations into complaints about UK government departments and their agencies, and the NHS in England.
Contact details for public bodies (see also government links at NAVCA)
A to Z of local councils
This site lists county councils, borough and district councils and unitary authorities throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
A-Z of central government
This site lists central government departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies.
NHS Trusts Listing for England
This is a page on the main NHS site; from here you can find a listing of all NHS trusts, both acute and primary care.
The Audit Commission
The Audit Commission is an independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health, criminal justice and fire and rescue services.
LawWorks
LawWorks for Community Groups provides free legal advice to small charities, voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises in England and Wales via a network of volunteer lawyers. LawWorks does not provide advice itself, but you can apply online for assistance.
Federation of Law Centres
Law centres provide a free and independent professional legal service to people who live or work in their catchment areas. This site provides information on local contacts and services.
NAVCA
Equalities links
The British Council of Disabled People (BCODP)
The UK's national organisation of the worldwide Disabled People's Movement. Set up in 1981 by disabled people to promote full equality and participation in UK society, it now represents some 80 groups run by disabled people in the UK at national level.
The Disability Rights Commission
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is an independent body established in April 2000 by Act of Parliament to stop discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. The DRC works with disabled people, employers and service providers to find practical solutions for everyone.
RADAR
RADAR is a national network of disability organisations and disabled people. It represents its members by fast-tracking opinions and concerns to policy-makers and legislators in Westminster and Whitehall, and launching campaigns to promote equality for all disabled people.
Commission for Racial Equality
The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is a non-departmental public body established by the Race Relations Act 1976 (as amended) - the 'Act'.
The key aims of the CRE are to work towards:
• the elimination of racial discrimination;
• the promotion of equality of opportunity and good race relations; and
• to keep under review the workings of the Act
BTEG (Black Enterprise & Training Group)
BTEG is a high profile national organisation working to improve opportunities in black communities. (Black includes people of African, Caribbean, South Asian and South East Asian origin.)
BTEG links page
Useful links to BME networks around the country and many other national and government bodies.
