The Compact with the Voluntary and Community Sector

Cooperate (VCS and council partnership board) and Cabinet approved a new Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Compact for Tower Hamlets in autumn 2025.

The Compact is key action of the VCS Strategy 2025–2029 that was approved by Cabinet along with the Compact on 26 November 2025.

What is the Compact?

The Compact is a shared agreement between the council and the VCS and sets out the values, principles, and practices that will guide how we work together. This ensures collaboration is effective, transparent, and focused on improving the lives of our residents.

The Compact aims to deliver five planned outcomes, supported by commitments from both the council and the VCS:

a strong, diverse and independent voluntary and community sector
effective and transparent design and development of policies, programmes, and public services
responsive and high-quality programmes and services
clear arrangements for managing changes to programmes and services
an equal and fair society.

The Compact is not static, it will be reviewed every three years, with annual check-ins to address any emerging issues. This ensures the agreement stays meaningful and responsive to the needs of our communities.

If you have any questions on the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Compact please contact mark.waterman@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

Summary of the Compact 2025-29

The Tower Hamlets Compact is an agreement between Tower Hamlets Council and the local voluntary and community sector (VCS). It sets out how we will work together to achieve common goals and deliver better outcomes for residents. The Compact promotes collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, recognising that a strong, diverse and independent VCS is essential for thriving communities.

Compact principles

Work together to improve the lives of Tower Hamlets residents and communities
Recognise the vital contribution of the VCS and volunteering
Support a VCS that celebrates diversity, tackles discrimination, and gives voice to all
Value the independence of the VCS and constructive accountability between sectors
Recognise financial and capacity constraints
Build trust through openness, early collaboration, timeliness and learning from mistakes.

Commitments

Joint commitments

Uphold the diversity and independence of the VCS
Recognise and support the needs of smaller and diverse organisations
Foster inclusive, high-quality volunteering.
Work together towards best practice in community involvement and engagement.

Council commitments

Be a fair and transparent partner, enabling VCS independence and voice.
Provide timely, proportionate and sustainable funding, including multi-year support where possible.
Co-design policies and services with the VCS, giving early notice of consultations and changes.
Work with the VCS proactively to ensure community consultation is excellent and coordinated and that communication is accessible.
Take practical action to promote equality and reduce disadvantages.

VCS commitments

Represent communities’ voices clearly and responsibly in decision-making
Promote and respond to community consultations and participate in partnerships, forums and partnerships, where capacity allows.
Putting forward ideas for service design that are focused on evidence-based solutions, with clear proposals for positive outcomes.
Be transparent in monitoring and reporting, using processes to highlight issues and seek support
Ensure services, including those funded by the council, are accessible, fair and support equality

For more details about the Tower Hamlets Compact or to contact the Compact Implementation Group, please email both vcs@towerhamlets.gov.uk and compact@thcvs.org.uk.