The Commission for the Compact has announced that interim chief executive Richard Corden will stay on in the role permanently.

His appointment will complete the Commission for the Compact team, which has had to rebuild itself after two key departures last year.

Corden (pictured) took on the role temporarily in June last year after Angela Sibson stood down after less than six months in the role. Her exit was followed three months later by Compact Commissioner John Stoker, who left abruptly citing personal reasons.

Sir Bert Massie, who was appointed Commissioner for the Compact in March, said Corden’s commitment and determination would make the Commission a powerful and influential advocate for the Compact.

Career civil servant

Corden,  who has also worked for the Treasury, Office of the Third Sector, Home Office and Charity Commission, said: “I am delighted to be leading the Commission in these very exciting times. The purpose of having the Compact is ultimately to benefit people and communities in England, by reaping the advantages of partnership working between the state and voluntary and community sector.

“A good deal has been achieved in that respect over the last ten years – but there is potential for much more. The Commission will play a full and vigorous part in realising that potential.”

‘Clarify redress for Compact breaches’

In a speech to the Association of Charity Officers annual conference last September, Corden said that the redress available to charities who suffer breaches of the Compact by a government body, needs to be made clearer.

“There are some administrative remedies available, but as for legal remedies – that is a grey area,” he said. “This is one thing that I think needs to be clarified as a matter of urgency.

“If it is the case that in an increasing number of instances, the government is failing to fulfill its obligations under the Compact, the sector needs to know what mechanics are available to hold government to those commitments.”