Overview

This bill establishes the Commission for the Compact as a legally recognized body, granting it powers to promote cooperation between statutory bodies (like government agencies) and voluntary and community organizations (VCOs) in England. It will oversee adherence to the Compact, a set of principles governing the relationship between the government and the VCO sector, enabling investigations into potential conflicts and publishing recommendations.

Description

The bill creates the Commission for the Compact, a corporation sole led by a Commissioner and at least four other members, all appointed by the Secretary of State. The Commission's key functions include:

• Promoting understanding and adherence to the Compact.
• Ensuring the Compact's consistency with the law and relevant guidance.
• Researching the Compact's effectiveness and publishing findings.
• Conducting inquiries into actions potentially inconsistent with Compact principles.
• Publishing annual reports on its activities to Parliament.

Inquiries will be conducted if the Commission believes a statutory body or VCO action contradicts Compact principles and raises public policy concerns. The Commission can request information and documents from relevant parties and must publish its inquiry reports and recommendations. The bill also outlines procedures for responding to these reports.

Government Spending

The bill mandates that the government will fund the Commission's operations, including the Commissioner's and members' remuneration and expenses, and any other necessary costs. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Statutory bodies: These bodies will be subject to the Commission's oversight and may be investigated for actions deemed inconsistent with the Compact.
• Voluntary and community organizations (VCOs): Similar to statutory bodies, VCOs will be subject to the Commission's oversight and potential investigations.
• The public: The public will benefit from increased transparency and accountability in the relationship between government and VCOs, as well as improved cooperation between these sectors.
• The Secretary of State: The Secretary of State holds significant power in appointing the Commission's members, determining their terms, and receiving and publishing the Commission's reports.

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