This relationship is reflected in the grant arrangements, service level agreements and contracts that exist between the voluntary sector, the County Council and other statutory authorities in Dorset. Further information on funding for voluntary organisations can be found on these pages (click on the link titled 'Community' on the right hand side) or by contacting Becky Forrester, Voluntary Sector Link Officer, on the number below.

In April 1999 the voluntary sector and the County Council developed a Compact between them, setting out the general framework of principles and undertakings which help to underpin and guide the relationship. Dorset was the first county to adopt a local Compact agreement and over 98% of counties now have one. The Compact was refreshed and widened to involve a range of public and voluntary sector organisations in Dorset in 2003 and now contains codes of good practice on consultation, funding and volunteering. The Compact is about to be refreshed. If you want to get involved in updating the agreement, or have any questions about how it works, please contact Becky Forrester. 

The relationship with the voluntary sector is a fundamental part of the County Council's approach to community planning and consultation and as such it is vital that there is consideration of voluntary sector implications in all of our work and decision making.

The voluntary sector is also a major contributor to the local economy. A mapping exercise undertaken in 2005 by five leading  voluntary youth organisations in Dorset found that the financial value of volunteering in the youth sector alone was over £28 million a year. Voluntary and community organisations generated another £2 million to provide services for children and young people in Dorset in 2005.

An audit of all the voluntary and community organisations in Dorset will take place in January 2007 which will map their full social and economic contribution to local life.

• Third Sector Development Officer
  Name: Becky Forrester
  Email: r.forrester@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224821
  Fax: 01305 224886
  Mobile: 07792 642023
  Full details for Becky Forrester