READING Borough Council has signed an agreement with the voluntary sector in Reading to further cement collaboration.
The Voluntary and Community Sector Compact 2023-2025 aims to “embed” a new framework to harmonise the efforts of the council and the voluntary sector across Reading.
It is designed to improve the quality of life for residents and communities in the town which benefit from voluntary work, building on support and funding already provided by the council and formalising many of their working practises.
Its key objectives included fostering effective collaboration between the council and volunteers, promoting engagement and cooperation, and fostering a culture of partnership and fairness between them.
It also lays out a number of key principles for the organisations and recognise “complementary” expertise and independence while encouraging transparency and innovation in the voluntary sector.
In line with the existing Closing the Gap funding in place,the agreement is set to last until 2025, and was agreed at a council policy committee meeting back in September.
Councillor Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council leader, said: “Reading’s incredible voluntary sector continues to be the envy of other towns and cities, and the sheer range of groups in our town and what they deliver never fails to amaze me.
“This new agreement aims to build on what is already a flourishing relationship between the Council and the voluntary sector, and I’m very grateful to all the organisations that played a part in shaping it.
“Our emphasis, as always, will be on supporting those people in our communities who do not necessarily enjoy the same benefits as others.”
Councillor Liz Terry, lead councillor for corporate services and resources, said: “The effective working relationship between the Council and Reading’s voluntary sector has been well established over very many years.
“We all saw that during the incredible response in the early days of the COVID pandemic, and more recently through the amazing work they do in our communities every single day, with the support of funding from the Council.
“This Compact now cements that relationship by outlining how we will work together in the future.”
She added: “I am also delighted it recognises the enormous value offered by not only the larger, more established voluntary groups, but the many smaller community organisations across our town.
“As always, the proof will be in how this agreement translates to action in our communities and I look forward to working with the sector on devising and then strengthening the action plan in the weeks and months to come.”
The chief executive of Reading Voluntary Action, Rachel Spencer, said: “The voluntary sector welcomes the new Compact and commitment to closer partnership work with Reading Borough Council.
“There are 100s of charities and community groups working hard to make Reading a great place to live.
“We look forward to sharing views and developing an action plan that will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people now and for the future community of Reading.”
