Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord Interim Progress Report

The mid-point evaluation report for the Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord highlights the first year and a half of the current delivery plan, showcasing achievements since the Accord's signing in 2021. The report evaluates progress towards the Accord's eight commitments, examining the impact on partners, successes, challenges, and the integrity of the Accord agreement. Funded by GMCA and GM NHS Integrated Care, the report uses a logic model to describe commitments, outcomes, and long-term impacts, emphasizing process and outputs over specific measurements.

Key achievements include scaling up the VCFSE role in health and care delivery, building a skills and employment support pipeline, investing in community ownership models, and embedding the VCFSE role in mental health support. The sector has also been pivotal in new public service delivery models and supporting equalities through the GM Equalities Network.

The report underscores significant progress, increased understanding of the VCFSE sector, and successful partnerships. Recommendations for the next phase include investing in the sector, strengthening district-level engagement, enhancing communication, sustaining relationships, addressing national challenges, and championing the sector's role in prevention and growth. The evaluation highlights the need for continued advocacy and strategic investment, noting the Accord's success in raising the VCFSE sector's profile and fostering trust and collaboration with public sector leaders.