Get involved with compacts in Kent

Being a Compact Champion is a good way to raise awareness and 'sell' Compact successes in your area of work. Networking and sharing information will ensure that Kent Compact is here to stay.

What you need to know

Kent Compact is…

• an agreement between KCC and the voluntary and community sector in Kent aimed at improving the working relationship between the sectors for mutual advantage
• a document setting out values, principles and commitments for how best to work together to achieve more for the people of Kent
• a framework for action that will develop collaborative, productive partnership based on mutual respect and trust - the essential elements to which the partners have committed themselves.

What you need to do

Know your stuff -

• read Kent Compact and be clear what it is and does
• be able to come up with examples of Compact ways of working
• be able to demonstrate what your audience's vested interest in Compact is
• promote Kent Compact wherever and whenever you can
• communicate with the relevant Compact Implementation Group representative to find out what the plans are for Compact implementation in your area.

What's in it for KCC?

• it pays to have Kent Compact. KCC can demonstrate commitment to partnership working in CPA (Comprehensive Performance Assessment), and the work involved with PSA 2 (Public Service Agreement 2) and the LAA (Local Area Agreement) , with potential for boosting the prospects of external funders investing in Kent and government rewarding the way we work with the VCS (Voluntary and community sector)
• better relations - better planning - better services, by drawing on the expertise of local groups in Best Value reviews, consultations and partnerships and through commissioning them to deliver public services

What's in it for the VCS in Kent?

• having an enabling and supportive local government: in valuing the difference you make to the area, recognising your expertise, understanding the way you work, and providing fair and effective funding
• consultation and involvement that works: getting enough time to have a say on what matters to you, being heard and having your issue taken seriously

What's in it for everyone?

• meaningful promises on both sides that make a difference and somewhere to go to sort it out when things go wrong
• building relations that change how partners behave, engage and work together