Empowering the voluntary sector (using Public Law)

The Empowering the Voluntary Sector project brings together the expertise of Compact Advocacy, based at NCVO, NAVCA and the Public Law Project. The partners will deliver this innovative project consisting of advice on managing disputes and training in using the principles of public law and Compact to prevent and manage disputes with public bodies until September 2011.

The project will also continue to publish regular newsletters with updates, case studies, and hints and tips to manage and prevent breaches of public law and non-compliance with the Compact.

The overall aim of the project remains unchanged; to strengthen the relationship between voluntary and community sector organisations and public bodies and significantly increase opportunities to influence funding and other decisions made by public bodies.

• A national programme of workshops
• Joint training with Voice4Change England for BME organisations
• A free advice line run by Compact Advocacy
• A quarterly newsletter
• Resources
• Discussion forums

 

Kevin Curley, chief executive of NAVCA says:

"The public law training courses have helped to transform the negotiating skills of local third sector representatives across England since 2006. Equipped with an understanding of the principles of public law, local support and development organisations and frontline groups are able to challenge local authorities and Primary Care Trusts which fail to consult the local third sector or commit serious Compact breaches.

Neither local charities nor local authorities want to end up in the High Court as a result of judicial reviews.

These public law courses enable local organisations to argue and negotiate from a position of strength. Through this new partnership we will be able to give local organisations even more help."