Social Compact



MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED ON 24TH SEPTEMBER 2104 

The Association of Guernsey Charities (AGC) and the States of Guernsey have agreed a partnership for joint working. The 'Social Compact' sets out a framework for how each party can help the other in meeting their objectives for social policy and the delivery of services.

The Compact has been formally approved by the AGC's Council and by the Policy Council. Peter Rose, the Chairman of the AGC, and Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, the Chief Minister and Chair of the States of Guernsey's Social Policy Group, will set out their public commitment to the Compact at the AGC's 30th Anniversary Reception this evening.

Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq said:

"It is increasingly unrealistic and unnecessary for the States to do everything, as there are people with greater expertise and understanding of what is needed on the Island, and how it can be most effectively and efficiently delivered. Given that the AGC has almost 300 member bodies, it will continue to play a hugely valuable role in co-ordinating the third sector's views and priorities, ensuring that there is a conduit for effective dialogue and partnership with the States. The agreement of the Compact will formalise and enhance the growing partnership between the States and the third sector."

"The framework sets out a partnership in the truest sense. There will be five over-arching changes in the way that charities work with the States: a single point of contact at the States; better information-sharing; joint working from the beginning of projects, so that charities can help to shape those projects; consideration of how the charitable sector might deliver services, and the resources needed to do that; and a procurement process that supports these aims."

"In return we will be looking for charities to demonstrate proper governance and effective risk management, as well as to put in place Service Level Agreements, to protect both the voluntary and charitable sector organisation and the States, and to help to make it clear what is required. Where funding is involved, charities will also need to recognise their accountability to the taxpayer as well as to their members."

Peter Rose, AGC Chairman said:

"The Social Compact is an important step forward for charities. It will help charities and Government to work together better to promote an engaged and active social environment. One immediate benefit is that it will put charities in a better position to obtain funding and other assistance from Government, which will help them with their future planning. It can only be good for the people of Guernsey."

"The Compact will also help to ensure that all States Departments recognise the valuable contribution made by the charitable sector, and establish procedures to guard against policies or practices that might have a negative impact on local organisations."

This development comes as the States Assembly is about to discuss a States Report on the co-ordination of economic and social policy projects.

Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq said:

"To ensure initiatives such as the Compact can truly make a difference, we need to ensure that social policy work at the States is progressed in a joined-up way, and that the inter-relation between different decisions is well-understood. This States Report demonstrates our commitment to taking a more strategic approach to social policy."

A copy of the Social Compact can be obtained by clicking here