July 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 . which was recently renewed for 2026-2035, and signed by leaders across GM's VCFSE and public sector.  

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On Wednesday 8 July 2026, 120 leaders and staff from across Greater Manchester’s VCFSE sector, local and combined authority, NHS, transport, fire and rescue, and research, came together to mark a renewed, landmark 9-year collaboration agreement.

The Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord, officially signed by Greater Manchester leaders on 27 March 2026, sets a national standard for collaboration between public services and civil society. 

The Accord is a shared commitment to work together to improve outcomes for residents, communities, places and the environment. It's a framework for how we will work together, underpinned by honesty, accountability, ambition and trust.

Together, we want to build a thriving Greater Manchester where everyone can live a good life. 

To help us all understand what the Accord is all about, how it's helping strengthen collaboration, its commitments, and how it can be used, we are delighted to be able to share two new resources:

• A New Micro-Site
• A New Explainer Video

Visit the new Accord microsite to:

• Learn about the purpose and principles of the Accord.
• Explore its shared values: including honesty, ambition, accountability and trust.
• Understand what the Accord’s signatories have committed to.
• Access a growing library of resources.
• Find examples of the impact the Accord has had.

Visit the site at www.vcfseleadershipgm.org.uk/accord/accord-home

A new 2-minute animated explainer video has been produced to provide a clear and accessible introduction to the Accord. It outlines why the Accord matters, what it aims to achieve and how organisations across sectors can use it to guide collaborative working and support better outcomes for communities.

The video is designed for anyone interested in understanding the Accord, including VCFSE organisations, public sector partners, community leaders and residents.

We're proud to share this new blog from Anna Cooper, GM Programme Manager at Voluntary Sector North West & Lead VCFSE Officer for the Accord, reflecting on the recent launch of the Accord.

After more than a year of engagement, consultation and writing, Anna explores the spirit of collaboration that shaped the Accord, the importance of shared values, and the challenge ahead.

Sue Wood, Head of Operations and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead at the Applied Research Collaborative GM (ARC-GM) - the Accord's most recent signatories - shares why signing the Accord is an important step in strengthening partnerships with communities.

Find out what signing the Accord means for ARC-GM and how they're strengthening partnerships with VCFSE organisations to ensure research is shaped with communities from the outset.

We congratulate Andy Burnham on becoming the UK's first Labour and Co-operative Prime Minister.

Over many years, Andy has consistently recognised the VCFSE sector as a key partner in delivering a fairer, healthier and more inclusive Greater Manchester.

His willingness to stand alongside our sector during periods of financial uncertainty, including advocating for protections against additional National Insurance costs, demonstrated a genuine commitment to the communities we serve.

Earlier this year, Andy and other Greater Manchester leaders signed the renewed Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord, demonstrating his continued commitment to involving, enabling and valuing our sector.

We are also encouraged by his first instruction as Prime Minister to "end rough sleeping in our country". It is a bold ambition that reflects a long-standing commitment to tackling one of the most visible and enduring injustices facing our communities.

We wish Andy every success in his new role and look forward to seeing the values of partnership and social justice continue to shape the national agenda.

The Greater Manchester Sanctuary Seekers Community Response Group are building a more welcoming, resilient and compassionate Greater Manchester by connecting organisations, influencing systems, and championing the experiences of people seeking sanctuary.

Facilitated by Manchester Community Central, the network brings together organisations and statutory colleagues with an interest in working together to support people seeking asylum, refugees and migrant communities in Greater Manchester.

Key updates include:

• LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Live Well: GMCA, Manchester City Council and community partners held engagement sessions with LGBTQ+ organisations to explore how neighbourhoods, services and decision-making can become more inclusive, accessible and affirming for LGBTQ+ residents.
• Spaces of Hope and Connection: Theory of Change workshops are taking place across all 10 boroughs to co-design the £16.5million National Lottery-funded programme, helping local organisations shape community spaces that reduce inequalities and support wellbeing.
• Growing Live Well Networks: More than 70 frontline community workers attended a peer support event, while local leaders participated in the Live Well Leadership Collaborative to share learning and strengthen prevention-focused approaches.
• Greater Manchester Prevention Demonstrator: Greater Manchester is serving as the UK's first Prevention Demonstrator, testing how investment in early intervention, joined-up services and community support can improve outcomes while making better use of public resources.

Read the latest newsletter for all the details, and lots more.

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

Be part of a dedicated and skilled team facilitating the growth of community led housing across Greater Manchester.

The team require the following skills for their Board: Development experience, legal knowledge, financial expertise, & member representation. Board meetings take place around once a month, usually online.

Email rachel.summerscales@gmclh.org to find out more!

Thank you for taking the time to read the GM VCFSE Leadership Group e-bulletin.

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We’d love to hear your thoughts on this ebulletin, what’s useful, what could be improved, and how we can make it more relevant to you and your work. Share your feedback with us at lucy.north@vsnw.org.uk

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.