Assembly’s Voluntary Sector Scheme and the Funding Code of Practice: 2. Understanding the WAG Third/Voluntary Sector Scheme

24 Mar 2010

What is the Voluntary Sector Scheme?
The Voluntary Sector Scheme sets out the Assembly Government’s commitment to partnership with the voluntary sector. It says that partnership means that the voluntary sector:

  • Has an equal say with the Assembly Government about arrangements by which the Assembly and the voluntary sector will work together.
  • Will contribute at a formative stage in informing the development of policy and programmes across the Assembly Government and has its proposals assessed against the same criteria as the public sector.
  • Contributes its views on the procedures for the administration of resources and priorities for the distribution of resources for the voluntary sector.
  • Has access to its own information, training and capacity building services and resources.
  • Has opportunities to lead in those areas where it is best placed to do so.

The Code of Practice for Funding the Third Sector
An integral part of the Scheme is the Code of Practice for Funding the Third Sector (the Funding Code) published by the Assembly Government. This sets out the key principles underpinning funding for the third sector by the Assembly Government. The Funding Code applies to all Assembly Government Departments, Assembly Government Sponsored Bodies, Community Health Councils and NHS Local Bodies.

Almost all local authorities have a compact (agreement) or draft compact with their local voluntary sector, and most are developing local funding codes. Your CVC will be able to provide information about this.

In summary the key principles of the Assembly Government’s Funding Code are:

  • Delivery of strategic policy objectives
  • Respect for the sectors independence
  • Early and constructive dialogue
  • Timely decisions
  • Security of funding
  • Fair funding levels
  • Full cost recovery
  • Fair procurement
  • Payment in advance- where a clear financial need is established
  • Fair and reasonable treatment
  • Joint approach to monitoring and evaluation
  • Who does what best

Hard copies of the Funding Code can be obtained from The Voluntary Sector Unit, Welsh Assembly Government, Communities Directorate, Merthyr Tydfil Office, CF48 1UZ.

Making a complaint about a breach of the Funding Code
The Funding Code sets out a complaints procedure to be followed when alleging a breach of the Funding Code. The complaint should be specific and should include:

  • The nature of the complaint
  • The section of the scheme or code that is at issue
  • Supporting evidence
  • Any evidence of attempts to remedy or resolve the issues.

The complaint should be addressed to the Chair of the Funding & Compliance Sub Committee, Third Sector Unit, Communities Directorate, WAG Rhydycar Business Park, Merthyr Tydfil office, CF48 1UZ.

For advice on the Funding Code please contact WCVA Helpdesk on help@wcva.org.uk 0800 2888329. The WCVA has set out a step by step guide on How to pursue a case under the Funding Code. Local organisations should contact their local CVC for guidance.