The Gateshead Compact 2024 to 2027

The Gateshead Compact partners recognise that an independent, diverse and thriving VCSE sector is vital to the wellbeing of society and the prosperity of Gateshead. Voluntary and community action is an essential part of democratic society and life in Gateshead. These are the core principles which underpin the compact:

Shared vision

Partners share a commitment to the Thrive Policy Framework and the Gateshead Health and Wellbeing (HWB) Strategy. The policy framework, the HWB Strategy and underpinning implementation plan provides a coherent means of partners working together to support the wider health and wellbeing of our communities in Gateshead.

Benefit

Everything we do as partners is done for the benefit of Gateshead, its people and communities.

Realism

All partners have to work within the available resources linked to priorities for the borough and established in consultation with each other.

Respect

Public and VCSE sector organisations are accountable in different ways, and both need to act with transparency and integrity. Effective partnerships are built on mutual understanding, cooperation and an appreciation of the differences between partner organisations.

Honesty

It is only through open communication that strong partnerships can be built and maintained. Full, frank and mature discussions should be the basis for resolving difficulties.

Independence

The independence of the VCSE sector is recognised and supported. This includes the right within the law to campaign, to comment on and to challenge national, regional and local policy (whatever funding or other relationship may exist with government and other public-sector partners) and to determine and manage its own affairs.

Diversity

The public and VCSE sectors value a thriving civil society, which brings innovation and choice through a multitude of voices and actions.

Fairness

The public and VCSE sectors will work together to achieve fair decisions. Fairness for everyone, across diverse backgrounds, is a fundamental goal.

Cooperation

By working cooperatively and recognising and focusing on assets, the public sector and VCSE sector can deliver change that is built around communities and people.

Volunteering

Volunteering activities are an important part of citizenship and essential to public life and democracy. All partners will aim to be volunteer-friendly and also volunteering-literate; that is, aware of ways that their actions and decisions may affect community and voluntary activity.