News from: Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)

by Rachel Spencer (Advice Service Manager)

13 May 2010

1. Keep your own house in order - you have a better chance of settling a dispute successfully if you make sure you abide by funding agreements, honour your Compact commitments and fulfil financial obligations. This includes sending reports on time and keeping a written record of all communication with public bodies.

2. Prevention is better than cure - if you have concerns around your funding or relationship with a public body, don't wait for it to turn into a problem. Read your local Compact and open up a dialogue. If you can engage them constructively before something really becomes an issue, you'll have a better chance of getting it solved.

3. Challenge early - the longer time that elapses after a decision has been made, the harder it will be to reverse it.

4. Be clear about your objectives - know what you are unhappy about and what you want to achieve. Keep it as straightforward as possible, and try to be realistic.

5. Keep it professional - although emotions can run high, you are more likely to acieve what you want if your organisation is viewed as professional, effective and good to work with.

6. Consider all your options - every organisation has the right to their independence and to manage their own affairs, but some are reluctant to be seen to confront their funder. It may be that you can raise the issues through your local Compact Group, or perhaps there's an appeal process or complaint procedure that you can use. Think about what would be best for your organisation and beneficiaries.

7. Get help - it is useful to get an outsider's perspective on the dispute.

If you want to talk to someone about dispute resolution, contact the Compact Advocacy Programme on 020 7520 3161 or at evsadvice@ncvo-vol.org.uk. For more information visit


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