Conflict and Dispute Mediation
The Compact is not a legally binding document but its principles have been officially adopted by all its signatories or partners (see sign up list under the documents section).
However, situations may arise where one organisation disagrees with the way another organisation fulfils its commitments under the Compact or one of the Codes of Practice.
The Bucks Compact states that, "As far as possible, disagreements over the application of the framework should be resolved between the parties ... mediation may be a useful way to try to reach agreement".
Before invoking any mediation procedure, The Bucks Compact Steering Group recommend that organisations in dispute should attempt to resolve it by initially discussing the problem with the nominated Compact representative from the relevant organisation.
If the matter is not resolved you should follow the organisation’s complaints procedure. All public sector and most voluntary sector organisations have an official “Complaints Procedure”. The basis of a complaints procedure is to firstly decide whether the complaint is justified. If it is and a mistake has been made, action to remedy the situation can then be agreed. The root cause of the problem can then be reviewed to try to prevent the error happening again.
The Steering Group advise that this process be followed in the first instance and that mediation should follow only where the parties are still unable to reach agreement.
More information about Compact Advocacy and Mediation can be found at the following sites:
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/compactadvocacy/
http://www.cedr-solve.com/compact/
Following these routes does not remove your right to make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman, however the Ombudsman will not deal with complaints that have not been investigated by the relevant authority first.
The Compact Steering Group does not have the authority to act in an official capacity to resolve disputes concerning the Compact. However, if a dispute occurs you are encouraged to let the Bucks Compact Steering Group know so that they are able to monitor proceedings and provide advice where appropriate.
Email: compact@buckscc.gov.uk
