Our history

Responding to devolution

In 2014, we formed as the Greater Manchester VCSE Reference Group in response to the increasing likelihood of devolution. The initial aim was to support sector engagement across Greater Manchester’s devolution agenda.  

Over the course of the year, we worked to identify our vision, mission and structure in dialogue with community leaders across the Northwest. By hosting a series of workshops, we were able to shape the introduction of devolution.

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Pioneering approaches to healthcare

In 2015, the devolution agreement between the UK government and Greater Manchester allowed for “devolved control” of the region’s £6 billion health and social care budget.  

In response, we scoped out the emerging role of the VCFSE sector and created the first health alliance in the UK.

This successful model was rolled out across the country, aligning the VCFSE sector with the NHS at a national level.

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Strengthening partnerships

2017 saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership and the VCFSE sector, to strengthen the relationship between the group and the public sector.  

This was followed the signing of the original Accord in November 2017 by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, with several hundred representatives of the VCFSE sector.  

The group chose its new name in 2019 to reflect its increasing role in civil society in Greater Manchester. In 2020, the group published a Policy Position Paper, which set out their ambitions.

The pandemic and beyond

The importance of the VCFSE sector was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, as inequalities were exposed and demanded a response.  

Drawing on our experience of strategic engagement, we worked with the public sector to draw up a new Accord to improve outcomes for Greater Manchester’s communities and citizens.

Representatives of local government, health, and the VCFSE sector signed the new Accord, agreeing to work together collaboratively to tackle entrenched inequalities over the next five years (2021 – 2026).  

This Accord confirmed the will of all partners to embed the VCFSE sector as a key partner.

The Accord was updated in 2023, and you can find out more about the Leadership Group’s recent work on The Accord and Our work pages.

The Accord was refreshed in 2023 with a renewed commitment from all partners. As Greater Manchester looks at deepening its devolution deal, the Leadership Group will continue to work as the voice of the sector.

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