The following quotes come from a recent benchmarking survey on how key people rate Coventry's Compact. To us they also sum up what Compact working is all about, now and in the difficult times that lie ahead:

"It's really important for people at all levels of the PCT to understand (1) what the voluntary sector can offer and (2) that the way in which the PCT behaves corporately can have a big impact on a small organisation - so I see the Compact  as helping us communicate that."

Stephen Jones, Chief Executive, NHS Coventry

"Very useful as it provides a good foundation for the statutory and voluntary sectors to work together."

Steve Stewart, Chief Executive, Connexions

"Very useful for both commissioners and providers as it sets out the principles and practice expected of both parties in conducting business. This transparency sets a benchmark for how the Coventry Partnership wishes organisations to behave in the best interests of Coventry. By having a framework that all parties can work within, the Compact provides a ‘Code of Practice' to reference for routine matters, as well as how to approach more difficult negotiations resulting in benefits for both parties."

John Brady, Joint Mental Health Commissioner, NHS Coventry and City Council

"Has improved the contracting process to ensure that services are able to work from a funding basis, which in turn has improved working relationships, particularly from a sense of trust and honesty perspective."

Barry Eveleigh, Strategic Co-ordinator and Commissioning Manager - Substance Misuse, City Council

"...commissioning care over the next few years... will require some innovative and very different ways of working as the contractual relationship becomes more complex with individual budgets etc. The Compact should be a means of helping the sectors work together effectively."

Denise Wilcox, Procurement Adviser, City Council

"If it is owned by partners with integrity it will assist in shaping the relationship between voluntary and public sector organisations through difficult times when competition for resources is high."

Phil Dunn, Area Manager North West, City Council