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GM VCFSE Leadership Group e-bulletin

April 2026

We’re a Leadership Group dedicated to promoting the role and involvement of the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Greater Manchester.

We are a partner in the Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord, an agreement between Greater Manchester’s public sector, including the health and care system, and the VCFSE sector, underpinned by shared values of honesty, ambition, accountability & trust.

Read a visual summary of the agreement.

Please share this ebulletin with others who may find the information useful, they can subscribe here.

GM VCFSE Accord Updates
GM=EqAl Conference 2026

On Thursday 23 April, one of our working groups, Greater Manhester Equality Alliance (GM=EqAl), brought together almost 150 people, including community leaders, commissioners, practitioners, funders, and people with lived experience. A massive thank you to everyone that joined us!

GM=EqAl Partnership Manager, Ayisatu Emore, has shared her initial reflections on the conference - read on LinkedIn.

GM=EqAl member and Director of Equality & Diversity UK, Alyson Malach, has shared a poem of thanks - read on LinkedIn or Instagram.

 
Victims and Justice Group Update

The Victims and Justice Group, part of the Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group, aims to create community, connection and cohesion between GM VCFSE organisations who are engaged in any way with the Criminal Justice System or whose services are utilised by victims or perpetrators of crime.

The group is co-chaired by Duncan Craig (CEO of We Are Survivors) and Gail Heath (CEO of Pankhurst Trust inc Manchester Women’s Aid) and hosted by We Are Survivors.

Read the latest update at the link below.

Read it here
 
Follow GM=EqAl on Instagram

We’re excited to share that Greater Manchester Equality Alliance (GM=EqAl) has officially joined Instagram! If you’re passionate about equity, inclusion and community‑led change, we’d love to see you there.

Follow us at the link below or search: gmeqal

Follow us
VCFSE Representation

VCFSE representation ensures that the voices of our sector are actively involved in shaping decisions across Greater Manchester. We support rep recruitment and provide support to reps to create a more connected and unified VCFSE sector. 

Find out more
GMCA Updates
Greater Manchester Equality Panel Facilitation

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is seeking to provide contract funding for the facilitation of three Greater Manchester Equality Panels.

  • LGBTQ+ Equality Panel
  • Older Peoples Equality Panel
  • Women and Girls Equality Panel

The Greater Manchester Equality Panels have been established to advise, support and challenge Greater Manchester’s political leaders and policy-makers to tackle the discrimination and disadvantage that cause injustice and inequality in society, and champion Greater Manchester as an inclusive city-region.

The contracted party will manage the day-to-day running of the Panel, with strategic support from GMCA officers, to enable the Panel to provide insight on lived experiences, co-design with policy makers, collaborate with stakeholders and communicate with residents, contributing to Greater Manchester’s strategic ambitions for Building a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life.

The tender is now open via the Chest, linked below.

Closing date: Monday 18th May 2026

Find out more and apply
 
Book of Condolence - Eamonn Boylan OBE

This online Book of Condolence is opened in memory of Eamonn Boylan OBE who passed away after a short illness on 1 April 2026. Deepest sympathies are extended to his wife, Maria, and their two children, as well as his wider family, friends and colleagues.

Eamonn was a dedicated public servant who gave more than four decades of service to Greater Manchester and beyond, including leading Stockport Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester City Council and Homes England.

Those who wish to pay tribute are invited to share a message in remembrance of Eamonn’s life, his lasting contribution to public service, and the many people he inspired along the way.

Visit here
Greater Manchester Health Updates
Latest Partnership Update

This monthly Partnership Update from the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership is an overview of the work underway across our health and care system, the progress being made, and any key developments.

It features an introduction from Mayor Andy Burnham who notes the new role of Health Commissioner in Greater Manchester, as Sir Richard Leese ends his term as Chair of NHS GM and co-Chair of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership following his planned retirement this summer.

In this update:

  • Organisational updates
  • News across Greater Manchester
  • Get involved
  • Events and opportunities
  • News from partners
Read it here
 
Radcliffe Primary Care Centre to be transformed into one of the country’s first neighbourhood health centres

Radcliffe Primary Care Centre in Bury has been named as one of 27 across the country to become a Neighbourhood Health Centre to bring care closer to home

Funded by a £2.74m investment pledge from the government, the centre will provide a one-stop-shop health service on the communities’ doorstep.

The centres will have extended hours, have a wide range of health and community support services under one roof, and will provide a tailored help addressing both health and wider causes of health problems

Government has pledged to rollout 250 centres across the country as part of its landmark 10 Year Health Plan boosting access to healthcare, cutting waiting lists and tackling inequalities.

Read more
VCFSE Sector Updates and Opportunities
Listening Events: targeted grant fund for Black and Racially Minoritised-led organisations
Various dates in May, Bolton, Stockport & Rochdale
 
Black and Racially Minoritised (BRM)-led organisations receive around 50% less funding than other charities (Baring Foundation, 2024). The Phoenix Way exists to change that.
 
The Phoenix Way are a national racial justice movement supporting Black and Racially Minoritised organisations in accessing and shaping grant funding across the UK. In the Northwest, it is led by Inclusive North, working alongside sub-regional partners: Greater Manchester Ethnic Communities Network and One Knowsley for Cheshire & Merseyside.
 
Your insights will shape a targeted grant fund for Black and Racially Minoritised-led organisations launching later this year. Book your nearest Listening Event at the links below.

Contact for more information: joshua.okoduwa@inclusivenorth.org.uk

Bolton

Where: BRASS Befriending Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Great Lever

When: Wednesday 6 May, 10am-2pm
Book here
Stockport

Where: Stockport Race Equality Partnership CIC (S-REP) Stockport

When: Wednesday 13 May, 10am-2pm
Book here
Rochdale

Where: Kashmir Youth Project, Rochdale

When: Thursday 14 May, 10am-2pm
Book here
 
Data Collection in Practice Workshop: Values-led Approach to Data Collection

Wednesday 6th May, 1pm-3pm, at the Booth Centre, Manchester

A workshop looking at how collecting data shapes relationships between people receiving support and the support provider.

To book a space or to get more information please contact alix@boothcentre.org.uk

Find out more
 
Data Collection in Practice Workshop: Embedding & Maintaining Data Collection Practices 

Wednesday 20th May, 1pm-3pm, at the Booth Centre, Manchester

A chance to look at working with new systems, producing good data returns and maintaining dialogue with funders around data collection. 

To book a space or to get more information please contact alix@boothcentre.org.uk

Find out more
 
Job Opportunities: Live Well Spaces of Hope

Thanks to National Lottery players, 10GM, on behalf of Greater Manchester Live Well, will receive £16.5 million over four years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder.

This investment in Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection will create a network of 100+ inclusive, community-led and owned spaces across Greater Manchester where people can meet, belong and find everyday support.

There are two new vacancies based at Action Together, but part of the team at 10GM, to delivery this work across Greater Manchester. 

1. GM Partnerships & Delivery Manager

Supporting the Head of Programmes, the role focuses on strengthening collaboration, nurturing trusted relationships, and maintaining a clear, connected view across workstreams and places.

Apply now
2. GM Head of Programme

This role will lead and oversee delivery of this large-scale, multi-partner strategic programme, ensuring delivery through funded partners is aligned to the programme’s mission, vision and values, while maintaining strong programme management, compliance and delivery of agreed outcomes.

Apply now
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