Towards a common cause - A Compact for Care Inspection of Local Authority Social Services and Voluntary Sector Working Relationships

Towards a common cause - A Compact for Care Inspection of Local Authority Social Services and Voluntary Sector Working Relationships

Description: "Introduction

1.1 Local social services and the voluntary sector have a long history of working together. These relationships have evolved over time and not always in a planned way.

1.2 Over recent years, government policy has sought to transfer the delivery of a range of social care services to voluntary and independent organisations. It has also required statutory agencies to consult with voluntary, community
and user organisations in the planning and implementation of services.

1.3 The government is placing great emphasis on the breaking down of barriers between the public, private and voluntary sectors in order to effect lasting change in the relationship between the individual and the community.

1.4 As part of this commitment, the government has established a ‘Compact’ with the voluntary and community sector which was launched in England in November 1998. A Ministerial Task Force, supported by the Voluntary and Community Unit of the Home Office, has responsibility for ensuring that government departments and agencies maintain a consistent approach based on good practice in their dealings with voluntary organisations on issues such as funding, consultation, monitoring and evaluation.

1.5 SSI recently undertook an inspection of the relationships between local authority social services and the voluntary sector. This was the first scrutiny of how effectively they collaborate today.

1.6 We found an encouraging picture of local councils recognising the unique role of the voluntary sector as potential partners. However, there are still barriers to overcome before the two sectors truly fulfil their complementary roles in the development and delivery of policies and services for their local communities. Whilst the variety and independence of voluntary organisations
was the sector’s strength, it also made it difficult for councils to engage effectively with all its component parts."

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