Faith
We’ve added an ‘F’ to VCSE to welcome faith, belief and interfaith organisations.
Faith, belief and interfaith organisations play a unique and essential role in society. They enable connection, community cohesion and provide space for engagement. This has been recognised by the GMCA through the Greater Manchester Faith and Belief Covenant.
Expanding our reach
In May 2024, we welcomed Reverend Ian Rutherford as a member and voted to add faith to the group’s name, becoming the Greater Manchester Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Leadership Group.
Faith is also represented by Charles Kwaku-Odoi and Chris Hart, who sit on the Faith and Belief Panel.
Organisations involved
Useful resources
Key contacts
This work is being led by VSNW on behalf of the Leadership Group but cuts across all working groups and accord delivery.
Chris Hart
Charles Kwaku-Odoi
Anna Cooper
Request VCFSE participation
For Statutory agency or other partner requesting VCFSE participation
The role of the statutory agency or other partner requesting participation.
- Use GM VCFSE Leadership Group as the first point of contact to set up VCFSE sector participation on a board/group
- Recognise the independence of GM VCFSE Leadership Group in selecting participants in whom members of the VCSE sector have trust and confidence. In certain cases, the board/ group will work alongside GM VCFSE Leadership Group to ensure that the appropriate participant is selected
- Provide the information requested in the below form (as far as possible) when making a request for VCFSE sector participation to the GM VCFSE Leadership Group
- Offer an induction for the participant and identify key documents the participant should be familiar with prior to starting to attend meetings
- Recognise the different issues associated with consulting and representing a ‘sector’ as opposed to a single agency and take these into account in terms of the expectations of the VCSE sector’s role (This may mean ensuring the participant has time to undertake consultation: the participant cannot offer guarantees or any such undertakings without consultation)
- Be clear about any requirements for confidentiality
- If possible, aim to financially support representation of VCFSE sector through offering an annual bursary
- Work with GM VCFSE Leadership Group to identify capacity building issues and way in which these can be supported
Dispute resolution
If there are concerns about anyone participating on behalf of the VCFSE sector, or if the participant has concerns about their role in the Board/Group, the situation will be dealt with informally in the first instance through discussions with the GM VCFSE Leadership Group and the group/board’s chair.
Please enter the below details if you are looking to request VCFSE participation on your board or group. We will get back to you:
