Compact Voice has published a report on how the Compact is
actually used in dispute resolution.
A Review of Compact Disputes emphasises the relative success
of third party mediation in breaking the deadlock which sometimes
can occur in negotiations between local partners.
The report concludes that:
- The Compact is seen positively as providing a frame of
reference for VCOs in a turbulent and complex environment for
partnership working with statutory bodies.
- The translation of Compact principles into practice remains
patchy and inconsistent. One example of further embedding the
Compact is the suggestion that it should be written into the terms
of contracts by local authorities and primary care trusts.
- A lack of awareness of Compact principles, coupled with a lack
of understanding about its practical application, contribute to
non-compliance and, subsequently, disputes. More fundamentally,
difficulties arise where cross-sector relationships are
underdeveloped and conflictual. Further work is therefore required
to support more effective partnership working.
- The resolution of disputes is supported by the contribution of
the advocates.
- Dispute resolution tends to be limited to immediate, practical
action; it rarely extends to systemic or behavioural change. To
address this, consideration might be given to the introduction of a
systematic review mechanism to monitor and track the wider policy
and practice impact of disputes which have been resolved.
- The option of strengthening the legal basis of the Compact to
allow sanctions (in cases of non-compliance) and coercion (to
encourage compliance) still requires further
consideration.
The research was undertaken by the Institute for Voluntary
Action Research (IVAR) on behalf of Compact Voice.
12 March 2010