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Can it be enforced?

Although it isn’t a legally binding contract per se, it isn’t strictly true that it’s not enforceable by law. Many of the principles within the Compact are also incorporated into Public Law and therefore in some cases, a breach of the Compact can lead to a judicial review process. However, the whole point of the Compact is to get organisations working together as early as possible at the planning stage to avoid any issues during commissioning and delivery phases. Where problems do occur, the emphasis is on working together to find a fair solution.

Examples of where the Compact has been useful in resolving disputes can be found here.

What do I do if I think that Compact principles have been breached?

In the first instance, it may be worth contacting us to discuss your issues. You can also register a Compact related complaint here.

Further support is also available:

  • NCVO’s Compact Advocacy Programme (www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/compactadvocacy) - Advice and support to voluntary organisations that are concerned about a government partner’s practice.
  • The Compact Mediation Scheme (www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/compact/mediation.aspx) - Run by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution and is open to all government departments and voluntary and community sector organisations who feel that another party has not acted in line with the Compact. It gives access to a professional mediator for a small fee.
  • Parliamentary and Health Service Ombundsman (www.ombudsman.org.uk) - If you are the victim of maladministration by a public body

(Source: Compact Voice)