GM VCFSE Leadership Group ebulletin

May 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 represent the Greater Manchester VCFSE sector in the GM VCFSE Accord. ‍Signed on 27 March 2026, the refreshed Accord for 2026-2035 is now in a phase of delivery planning. We look forward to sharing more across the coming months.

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GM VCFSE Accord Updates
Illustration of people around a table, working and having discussions
GM VCFSE Accord delivery highlights for Jan – March 2026

This update for Q4 2025/26 captures key activity across the Accord workstreams including population health, commissioning and investment, equalities, VCFSE ecosystem, inclusive economy and more
Read it here
 
Celebrating the renewed GM VCFSE Accord
When: Wednesday 8 July 2026, 10am - 2:30pm
Where: People’s History Museum, Manchester
 
Join cross-sector colleagues for a celebration of the renewed GM VCFSE Accord (2026–2035) – a shared commitment that sets out how the VCFSE sector and public sector partners, including the health and care system, will work together in Greater Manchester. 
 
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Book your place
 
Image from recent conference
GM=EqAl Conference 2026: What came out of the day and what’s next

On 23 April 2026, GM=EqAl brought together almost 150 people across Greater Manchester - community leaders, commissioners, practitioners, funders, and people with lived experience - for their conference: Equity By Design.

At the link below, you can access summaries from session from the day, and a reflection from GM=EqAl chair, Jules Palfreyman. 

Read more

What happens next:

  • The Live Well Spaces of Hope Co-Design Lab outputs are feeding directly into GM=EqAl’s role as Equity Partner in the £16.5 million programme. Visit the link above to find out how you can attend an upcoming development day as part of the co-design phase for the programme.
  • Relevant comments and insights are being raised directly with partners.
  • GM=EqAl are recruiting for the working group and Task and Finish groups that will shape their work over the next year. Please get in touch for more information: gmeqal@vsnw.org.uk
 
Stockport Race Equality Alliance activity
GM=EqAl are transforming support for dispersed communities 

A new video highlights how the Greater Manchester Equality Alliance (GM=EqAl) is transforming support for under‑represented and geographically dispersed communities across Greater Manchester.

Through the Live Well Inclusion and Wellbeing Partnership Fund, a £100,000 pilot programme, GM=EqAl delivered a participatory, community‑led approach to funding that shifts decision‑making power directly to those with lived experience. 

Watch here
VCFSE Representation
Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee seeking VCFSE Representative

We are supporting the appointment of a representative from the GM VCFSE sector to join the GM Joint Health Scrutiny Committee. The VCSFE Representative will provide a sector voice to the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee, ensuring that the perspectives, experiences, and priorities of the sector are reflected in health scrutiny at a Greater Manchester level. 

Visit our website at the link below to read the full role description and for details of how to express an interest in the role.

Deadline: Friday 5th June, 5pm

Find out more
 
The Fuel Crisis and the GM VCFSE sector: Key messages for VCFSE reps

The purpose of this briefing is to support a coordinated Greater Manchester-wide response to the ongoing fuel crisis by bringing together current intelligence on what is happening in Greater Manchester.

Read it here
Greater Manchester Health Updates
Latest Partnership Update from the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

This monthly bulletin is an overview of the work underway across our health and care system; the progress being made and any key developments.

Read it here
Policy and campaigns
New Act to expand devolution and empower local people

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill passed into law 29 April 2026. It intends to introduce new measures to expand devolution and empower mayors and local people. 

  • Wigan Borough Community First have produced a helpful summary.
  • We're Right Here have shared their thoughts on what needs to come next.
  • Power to Change reflect on what the Bill means for communities.
 
Refugee Week

15 - 21 June 2026

Refugee Week is a community-powered festival which means everyone is invited to take part.
 
Whether you’re working with children and young people, planning to host your own event, or supporting Refugee Week on social media, check out the resources packs linked below for inspiration and more information on how to take part.
Visit here
 
Small Charities Week

22 - 29 June 2026

Small Charity Week is your chance to celebrate your impact, tell your story and help more people see the difference your organisation makes

Whether you're planning an event, sharing a story, thanking supporters or reaching new audiences, this is your moment to shine a light on your work.

Read more
VCFSE Sector Updates and Opportunities
Our North cover
New report explores VCFSE and combined authority partnership working across the North

This new report explores how the VCFSE sector is working with combined authorities across the North of England, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in partnership working.

It identifies opportunities to strengthen collaboration, improve representation, and embed the sector as a strategic partner in devolved decision making.

Read it here
 
GM Green and Blue Spaces Action Network Event

Wednesday 3 June, Whitefield, Bury

Have your say, help shape Greater Manchester’s green and blue spaces and champion the importance of nature in cities.

Book your place
Greater Manchester VCFSE Cancer Summit

Wednesday 3 June, Ardwick, Manchester

Join the Greater Manchester VCSFE Cancer Summit, bringing together the Cancer Alliance and VCFSE partners to strengthen collaboration, share insight and help shape future partnership models.

Book your place
GM Research Engagement Network Forum Launch Event

Monday 15 June, Ancoats, Manchester

The launch of a new, GM‑wide space for connection, learning and collaboration between communities, VCFSE Sector, researchers and research organisations to foster mutually beneficial partnerships.

Book your place
 
GM Ethnic Communities Network Event

Monday 15 June, Ardwick, Manchester

Join for half a day of networking, learning, and collaboration. This event is a great opportunity to share ideas, gain insights, and build relationships with others in the field.

Book your place
Green Spaces Fund

The Green Spaces Fund provides grants between £2,000 - £40,000 to community groups across Greater Manchester who want to increase the amount of accessible, nature-rich green space where people need it most.

Deadline: Monday 3 August

Apply here
Victim's Capability and Capacity Fund

This initiative is part of GMCAs ongoing 3-year small grants programme and is designed to prioritise supporting victims within Greater Manchester, specifically through VCSE victim support organisations. 

Deadline: Wednesday 10 June.

Apply here
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Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

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Voluntary Sector North West

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