Islington Council and the borough's other main statutory bodies have signed an agreement with the local voluntary sector to strengthen the way in which they will work together to improve the lives of people in Islington.
At a special ceremony at the Town Hall the Islington Compact agreement was signed by the Leader of the Council, joined for the first time by the NHS, Police, Fire Service and local educational institutions and housing providers who have endorsed a new approach to working in partnership with the voluntary sector.
The Islington Compact is an important document for Islington that provides a blueprint for effective partnership working that will bring valuable dividends for the borough and the people who live here.
The Compact clearly sets out the ground rules and includes a number of important undertakings from all sides.
The aim is also to avoid misunderstandings and mistrust which may get in the way of productive relationships and hamper the ability of all to work together and maximise results for everyone.
Cllr Terry Stacy, leader of Islington Council, said: "Islington has many challenges - poverty, unemployment and ill health - and it's important that we address these. The voluntary, community and faith sector contribute to all of them, but we can do even more by working together. We're committed to creating a community in which everyone has access to excellent services and is able to fulfil their potential."
Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Islington Helen Pettersen said "At NHS Islington we have a vision to ensure our residents are provided the best health care services and we are committed to ensuring there is a reduction in health inequalities in the borough. We believe one of the best ways to achieve this is to work with local voluntary and community organisations. We are delighted to be able to develop our partnership through the Compact and look forward to the successful future it will hold".
Mike Sherriff, of Voluntary Action Islington, said: "The new Compact reflects the value of the local third sector and the benefits of partnership. Importantly it also shows how we will work together.”
Commitments have been made in areas such as funding and commissioning, volunteering, equalities and sharing information.
It also makes clear the different ways in which the statutory sector will support voluntary organisations.
The following organisations have signed up to the agreement:
* LBI Executive and Islington Council
* Islington Strategic Partnership
* Voluntary, community and faith sector organisations * Community networks/forums * BME and Refugee organisations * NHS Islington * Public Health
* Fire, Police and Prison Services
* Homes for Islington and Registered Social Landlords * Cambridge Education @ Islington * Further education colleges and universities
A wide range of organisations have signed up to the agreement. NHS Islington, the Metropolitan Police and housing and education providers have agreed to endorse it for the first time.
Page Last Updated: 23 November 2009