Third Sector Partnership Agreement: Strengthening Community Through Partnership
- Dan Coast
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 24
This page will contain all the information around the Third Sector Partnership Agreement, how the partnership is progressing and how local third sector organisations can get involved. The content on this page will update so remember to check back from time to time.
A Shared Vision for Newport’s Future
The Third Sector Partnership Agreement is vital in bringing together public services and the voluntary sector to improve the lives of people across Newport. As part of the Gwent Third Sector Partnership Agreement (2025–2030), this agreement outlines how organisations can collaborate more effectively to deliver better outcomes for communities.
Why it Matters
At its core, the agreement recognises the power of partnership. It sets out clear principles and commitments to ensure that public bodies and third sector organisations work together with mutual respect, shared goals, and a focus on long-term well-being. It aligns with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, ensuring that today’s actions support a better tomorrow.
Key Partners involved
The agreement is supported by a wide range of organisations, including:
· Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
· South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
· Natural Resources Wales
· Gwent Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner
· National Probation Service
· Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO)
· Public Health Wales
· Newport Council
· Registered Social Landlords (e.g., POBL, Hedyn)
· University of South Wales
Commitments That Drive Change
The agreement outlines several key commitments:
· Shared Values: Trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
· Joint Planning: Co-designing services and projects.
· Capacity Building: Supporting the voluntary sector to grow and engage.
· Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular reviews to ensure progress and accountability.
· Funding Principles: Adhering to the Welsh Government’s Funding Code of Practice.
Each partner agrees to uphold these principles and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive approach to service delivery.
Local Delivery in Action
The agreement is implemented through the One Newport Public Services Board and local delivery groups. These structures ensure that strategic goals are translated into real-world impact, guided by five key ways of working:
· Long-Term Thinking
· Integration
· Prevention
· Collaboration
· Involvement
This approach ensures that services are responsive, sustainable, and reflective of community needs.
Voices of the Third Sector
The voluntary and community sector plays a central role in the Compact. Through the Third Sector Forum, organisations contribute to decision-making, raise concerns, and share successes. GAVO acts as a key facilitator, ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard at every level—from local boards to regional partnerships.
How does my third sector organisation get involved?
Our local development officer will look to formalise the forum over the coming months and look to recruit a number of individuals from third sector organisations working in Newport and representing sectors of the third sector across the city.
The nomination process is now open and will close on the 3rd of August 2025, the list of nominees will appear here soon after along with details of how to register to vote.
Further details and information:
·
· Gwent Public Services Board: https://www.gwentpsb.org/
. Or contact GAVO directly via email here.
