A consultation is now open to shape how the public sector in Greater Manchester (GM) and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector work together to improve outcomes for communities and citizens.
This consultation will feed into a refresh of the GM VCFSE Accord from 1st April 2026, including its underlying values and principles, priorities for change, how it could be implemented, and what work could be delivered at a Greater Manchester-level to supports its aims.
The current Accord was signed in 2021 for a five-year period. It is a formal agreement between the GM VCFSE Sector represented by the GM VCFSE Leadership Group, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), including TfGM, and NHS GM. Its purpose is to further develop how we work together to improve outcomes for Greater Manchester’s communities and citizens. The Accord is jointly owned by the 3 partners and the 10 local authorities across Greater Manchester.
To promote transparency throughout this consultation period, you can download this slide deck to see a summary of early stakeholder engagement. This slide deck will be updated weekly.
How to take part in the consultation
Input is welcomed from members of staff across the GM VCFSE sector, including small, grassroots community groups, and the Greater Manchester public sector (such as GMCA, NHS, Local Authorities, TfGM, GM Police).
There are multiple ways to take part:
- Online ‘mural’: This is an online space where you can leave post it-notes under the different areas for consultation. You will need to create an account to make changes
- Online survey
- Online workshop, September 2025 – further details to follow
- In-person workshop, October 2025 – further details to follow
- Someone from the VSNW team can attend your network/team meeting to get your input. Get in touch with anna.cooper@vsnw.org.uk to organise a conversation
Deadline: Friday 31st October 2025.
What next?
A Steering Group made up for representatives from the VCFSE and public sectors will consider the results of engagement and research to draw conclusions and make recommendations. It is expected the agreement to be finalised and approved by February 2026.