NFP Code of Best Practice
19 March 2013 at 9:05 am
The Federal Government has released a draft Code of Best Practice for Engagement with the Not for Profit sector to mark the third anniversary of the National Compact.
The Minister for Social Inclusion Mark Butler said that the draft Engagement Code will be a practical reference tool for Not for Profits and the Government when engaging on issues of public concern.
“The Code aims to strengthen our engagement practices with NFPs and make sure that the voice of the sector is heard,” Butler said.
Butler said the Code was developed collaboratively by the Government and the NFP Sector Reform Council, following consultation with the sector.
“The Engagement Code undertakes to develop consultation materials in partnership with the NFP sector, to be clear about the purposes of consultations, to provide a broad range of methods for submission, and to provide meaningful feedback on the sector’s submissions.”
The Government says it plans to implement the code across all areas of government, including through ‘Compact Advocates’ who have been appointed at the Deputy Secretary level in all Commonwealth departments.
“Compact Advocates are playing an important role in the NFP reforms – streamlining funding arrangements with NFPs, reducing the red tape burden associated with financial reporting and strengthening dialogue between the sector and the Government,” Butler said.
“The Government’s dialogue with the sector is ongoing through its network of Compact Partners with over 890 NFP organisations having signed up to support the National Compact so far.”
The National Compact was launched in March 2010 by former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
A copy of the draft Engagement Code may be found at www.notforprofit.gov.au. Submissions on the draft can be made until April 29, 2013.
