The Compact is a partnership agreement between Government and the third sector to improve their relationship to the benefit of both parties. It is a framework within which Government and the third sector can understand what to expect from each other.

The Compact was established in 1998 and was followed by publication of Codes of Good practice on Black and Minority Ethnic Groups, Community Groups, Consultation and Policy Appraisal, Volunteering and Funding and Procurement.

Government Office for the North East (GONE) has a responsibility to ensure that local authorities and other public authorities in the region have a Compact in place (or are in the process of developing a Compact) in accordance with Home Office targets.

A Regional Compact Working Group (representatives from GONE, ONE NorthEast, ANEC, VONNE, SHA, NOMS, BECON, North East Assembly, LSC, JobcentrePlus, Business Link NE, FINE and NESEP) was established to develop a North East Regional Compact.

Following a number of discussions to agree the content of the Compact, GONE hosted an official signing on 23 November 2006 at the Government Office in Citygate.

A copy of the Compact can be downloaded by clicking here. (PDF 717kb)