Common use of Shared Principles Clause in Contracts

Shared Principles. This Compact outlines the relationship between the public sector and the voluntary & community sector in Cumbria allowing them to work together more effectively to strengthen communities and improve people’s lives. While there are many differences between the public and the voluntary & community sector, which must be acknowledged and respected, the sectors have much in common. In particular, the public sector and the voluntary and community sector share a common set of principles, which are at the heart of what they are trying to achieve. These principles make it clear that the Compact is neither a set of rules nor a bureaucratic burden, but a way of working that can help deliver real outcomes and improvements for people and communities. These principles have been created to help the sectors build relationships and work together effectively in partnership. The Compact’s commitments put these shared principles into practice. Respect The public sector and the voluntary & community sector are accountable in different ways, but both need to act with transparency and integrity. Effective partnerships are built on mutual understanding and an appreciation of the differences between partners of the Compact. Honesty It is only through open communication that strong partnerships can be built and maintained. Full and ▇▇▇▇▇ discussions should be the basis for resolving difficulties. Independence The independence of the voluntary & community sector is recognised and supported. This includes its right within the law to campaign, to comment on and to challenge public sector policy (whatever funding or other relationship may exist) and to determine and manage its own affairs. Diversity The public sector and the voluntary & community sector value a thriving civil society, which brings innovation and choice through a multitude of voices. Equality Fairness for everyone, regardless of their background, is a fundamental goal, and the public sector and the voluntary and community sector will work together to achieve this. Volunteering The energy and commitment of people giving their time for the public good contributes to a vibrant society, and should be recognised and appreciated. Citizen empowerment By working together, the public sector and the voluntary & community sector can deliver change that is built around communities and people, meeting their needs and reflecting their choices. Engagement in policy & development Voluntary and community sector organisations have expertise in many areas, often because they work directly with people and groups on the ground. This allows them to understand the needs of their beneficiaries and provide new and effective answers to problems. Involving and consulting the voluntary and community sector can help the public sector to develop policies that meet the needs of people and communities. Involving the voluntary and community sector in policy and development is a continuous process right from the earliest stages of policy development. It includes a range of methods – from informal engagement to full-scale public consultation. The Government’s new Best Value Statutory Guidance sets out some reasonable expectations of the way authorities should work with voluntary and community groups. Although it does not replace Local Compacts between local authorities and the voluntary and community sector, it does give local authorities a Duty to Consult, and states that authorities should include local voluntary and community organisations in such a consultation. Use the link for further information on Best Value Statutory Guidance: ▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇/publications/localgovernment/bestvaluestatguidance Additionally see the Government’s ‘Code of practice on consultation’ ▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇ The Cabinet Office’s handbook ‘Better together: improving consultation with the third sector’ ▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇/better-together/ Cumbria’s Community Engagement Framework 'Listening and Learning'. ▇▇▇▇://▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇.▇▇/eLibrary/view.asp?ID=3443 Commitments for the public sector Engagement in policy & development 1 When to involve? Involving the voluntary and community sector in policy and development at the earliest stage possible will allow the public sector to get the most out of the process. This will lead to more effective policies and programmes being developed.