GMCA leaders recognise Accord progress in recent report

In its meeting on Friday 29 November, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) signed off on the next steps of implementation of the Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord. The meeting acknowledged the vital contribution that the VCFSE sector makes to communities and services in Greater Manchester. Councillor Arooj Shah, GMCA Portfolio Leader for Communities and Equalities, outlined progress on the Accord and the relationship between the sectors, as well as challenges facing VCFSE organisations. In her update, Councillor Shah noted that

‘a strong VCFSE sector means that our communities live better’.

Following the updates, the GMCA voted to approve a proposition that the Chair of the VCFSE Leadership Group, Warren Escadale, be invited to all future meetings. The GMCA also voted to note the progress update and next steps as outlined in the update. A further paper that will tie in with work that is ongoing between VCFSE leaders and public partners to explore the sector’s role in the refreshed Greater Manchester Strategy and in Growth and Reform, including the delivery of flagship missions such as Live Well, the Bee Network, MBACC and Housing First will also be brought to a future meeting.

As the report was discussed, the work our sector does to address inequality and ill health in Greater Manchester was highlighted by Mayor Andy Burnham and Councillor Shah. This work will build on under the Live Well programme with the sector’s capabilities and role acknowledged as vital in its delivery.

Mayor Andy Burnham highlighted the importance of a strong and trusting relationship between the sectors and that the sectors will collaborate further in the near future, stating that

‍‘in the first months of 2025 we will need to work with them [the VCFSE sector] more than ever before’ and that ‘the Accord underpins all of that [work]’.  

Attached to the report was an evaluation report produced on behalf of the Leadership Group that outlines progress on all of the commitments under the Accord and highlights next steps.

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