The new version of the Code of Practice for Funding the Third Sector is a set of principles to ensure good practice when funding voluntary organisations.
Last week, Welsh Government published an updated Code of Practice for Funding the Third Sector. The Code is a set of principles that, when applied well, ensure good practice in funding voluntary organisations.
The document is for use by Welsh Government grant managers in support of the development and delivery of voluntary sector funding, and for the voluntary sector to understand how they can expect to be funded.
The Code applies to Welsh Government funding, and Welsh Government funding delivered by other public sector organisations, such as local authorities and health boards.
CREATING THE CODE
The Code was first introduced in 2014 as part of Welsh Government’s Third Sector Scheme which outlines how Welsh Government maintains its relationship with the voluntary sector in Wales.
The review and drafting of the new Code has been overseen by the Funding and Compliance Sub-committee of the Third Sector Partnership Council. Members of the Sub-committee include representatives from WCVA, Cwmpas, RNIB, Wales Refugee Council, Disability Wales, Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) and the All Wales Forum of Parents and Carers.
WHAT’S NEW?
The refreshed Code has been simplified down to five principles, which when applied together encourage quality grant making:
- Early and continuous dialogue
- Valuing and outcomes
- Appropriate funding mechanism
- Equity, and
- Flexibility
MAKING THE CODE ACCESSIBLE
As part of the refresh, the Code has been made more accessible, both in terms of language within the document and how the document (and some of the information it provides) can be accessed. The new Code is a document in its own right and can be found on the Welsh Government’s website. There are now also live links to enable easier navigation to supporting documents and contact details.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT
We would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who contributed to the review and refresh of the Code through our consultation activities over the past 18 months. Welsh Government have also carried out engagement activities internally and we are already seeing some departments implement the principles in their ways of working.
The work does not end here! WCVA will continue to work with and support the Funding and Compliance Sub-committee to promote the use of the Code within Welsh Government and the voluntary sector. We hope this revised Code of Practice will signal cultural change in the funding of the voluntary sector by the public sector in Wales.
RAISING ISSUES
If you believe the Code is not being applied you can raise issues with Welsh Government funding schemes to the Funding and Compliance Sub-committee via thirdsectorenquiries@gov.wales or funding@wcva.cymru.