Public Law links
This page is produced by Empowering the Voluntary Sector - a joint project between NAVCA, NCVO's Compact Advocacy Project and the Public Law Project. It supports the EVS training course but will also be of more general use.
This list is for information only. The content of the sites and services offered are not necessarily recommended by NAVCA or the Public Law Project.
Dispute resolution
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 NAVCA's government links
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.
Law and the voluntary sector
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.
Rights and equalities
See also NAVCA's Equalities links
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.
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.
A useful guide from the DRC (see above link) to the Disability Equality Duty for both disabled persons and organisations working with people with disability, the guide not only provides information on the duties of public bodies but also contains working examples of both good and bad practice.
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.
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.
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