Sector instability warning in open letter to Greater Manchester commissioners
The Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group has written an open letter to commissioners in the city-region calling for urgent action to support and protect the local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector due to significant systemic issues.
The open letter notes that the sector has endured years of challenges, including:
Contracts that fail to keep pace with inflation and relevant pay scale.
Delayed decisions that undermine the ability to plan.
A lack of funding uplifts, even as operational costs surge.
Lack of long-term funding.
Lack of a level playing-field in commissioning decisions.
On top of this, new financial pressures such as the recent increase to National Insurance Contributions, which has been forecast as an additional £20,000–£50,000 annually per organisation, have increased the strain.
The open letter asks for an open and honest dialogue with commissioners to protect the future of the sector in the city-region. Whilst support has already been seen from local and GM leaders, including Mayor Andy Burnham and Councillor Arooj Shah who called on Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, to urgently reconsider proposed NIC changes to protect the VCFSE sector in Greater Manchester, the open letter calls upon commissioners to support their shared vision of a thriving sector.
Organisations have already been forced to make staff redundancies, to make real-time pay cuts and to scale back services, leaving the most marginalised members of society without essential services.
Without consideration of increased costs for VCFSE organisations, continued short-term and unreliable funding, and a lack of consistency, transparency and dialogue from commissioners, the valuable and much-needed VCFSE sector in Greater Manchester is at risk.
The Leadership Group, for which VSNW act as secretariat, are dedicated to promoting the role and involvement of the sector in Greater Manchester (GM).
Find out more about their work: www.vcfseleadershipgm.org.uk/our-work
Help shape the future of health data research
The North West Research Secure Data Environment (SDE) Public Advisory and Accountability Group (PAAG) is seeking members of the public to provide input on the development of a secure digital system for health and public data research.
As part of NHS England’s digital strategy, this initiative aims to bring together currently separate data sources—spanning health, care, environment, and travel—into a secure, pseudonymised digital environment. Researchers will be able to apply to access de-identified data to support studies that could improve healthcare, public services, and policy making.
To ensure transparency and public trust, it is essential that local people are involved in shaping this system. The PAAG will play a key role in advising on the design, expectations, and safeguards around the use of health and social data for research.
Who can get involved?
The group is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and no prior experience in health data, research, or advisory roles is required. The aim is to gather diverse perspectives to ensure the system meets public expectations and operates responsibly.
What to expect
Monthly online meetings (2 hours)
£50 payment per session
Opportunities to contribute to an important national initiative
This work is being led by teams from the Lancashire and South Cumbria, Cheshire and Merseyside, and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Systems.
For those interested in contributing to this critical development in secure health data research, this is an opportunity to have a direct impact on how data is used for public benefit.
To register, visit North West Secure Data Environment [forms.office.com] or contact Nichola.Verstraelen@lthtr.nhs.uk for more information.
The NHS 2025/26 priorities – where does the sector fit in?
NHS England has just released its 2025/26 Priorities and Operational Planning Guidance, setting out key areas of focus for the year ahead. While the document emphasises collaboration and local flexibility, it does not explicitly mention voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. However, this does not mean there is no role for the sector —far from it. Here are our initial thoughts on the guidance and the role of the VCFSE sector.
The guidance highlights the need for improved access to care, greater efficiency, and tackling health inequalities. These are all areas where VCFSE organisations already play a critical and expert role. From supporting vaccination and screening programmes, helping NHS staff with training, mobilising volunteers and providing crucial preventative and early intervention services, the sector’s contribution is undeniable and never more needed.
A shift towards local decision-making
Perhaps the most promising takeaway from this guidance is the increased control that Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) will have over local funding and decision-making. This devolution of funding presents a real opportunity for the VCFSE sector to deepen partnerships with health systems. With funding and decision-making happening closer to communities and with more flexibility this will ensure that the voices of communities are heard, and services are truly accessible to those who need them most. It is vital, however, that this funding is guided through the lens of prevention and does not become swallowed by acute trusts.
Concerns over the removal of key targets
The removal of specific health targets, such as those for dementia, women’s health, and learning disabilities, has raised concerns that these areas may receive less funding and attention. Without national targets, resources may be redirected elsewhere, leading to fragmented services and inconsistent care across regions. Additionally, recent comments from the Health Secretary about breaking the "culture of the voluntary sector" (as noted in this statement from the Royal Osteoporosis Society) have further unsettled organisations that play a critical role in patient care.
The VCFSE sector is a trusted partner in driving preventive change, and we would like to see North West health systems maintain and strengthen the partnerships built over the years to ensure the continued delivery of effective, high-impact patient pathways and services.
The challenge of efficiency savings
There is some expectation that with providers being asked to make four per cent efficiency savings, despite an overall uplift in budgets, there is a significant risk of cuts and service closures in order to meet these targets. However, with the VCFSE sector’s bread and butter being prevention, alongside value for money and the social value that the sector provides, there is every opportunity for us to shout about our successes and our impact to further cement the sector’s role in the long-term vision.
Opportunities in neighbourhood health models
The inclusion of expanding neighbourhood health service models as mechanisms for preventing admissions and improving access to care may also create opportunities for the VCFSE sector. Potential integrated service offerings, closer collaboration, streamlined access to care, and the development of a shared vision with common outcomes can help strengthen partnerships and enhance engagement with communities.
Integrated Care Boards will be required to work with wider system partners to develop plans that align with both the objectives set out in the guidance and local priorities for March 2025.
Looking ahead
At Voluntary Sector North West, we will continue to advocate for a stronger, more integrated role for the VCFSE sector. We will closely monitor developments to ensure that the sector’s central role in health creation is embedded within the 10-Year Plan, working in collaboration with our infrastructure partnerships across the North West.
Let’s make sure that collaboration isn’t just encouraged—it’s embedded in the system.
Understanding the English Devolution White Paper and its impact on civil society
The much-anticipated English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16 December, marks a significant step towards reshaping governance in England. As we move towards the implementation of the English Devolution Bill, this framework aims to establish a consistent and comprehensive approach to devolution across the country.
For the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, the white paper is a game changer. It presents new opportunities but also challenges that demand our sector to adapt and engage actively in shaping the future.
What is devolution?
Devolution involves transferring powers and resources from the national government to local levels, enabling decisions to be made closer to the communities they impact. With a focus on creating Strategic Authorities, often led by Mayors, the white paper promises more localised control over transport, skills, housing, and climate strategies.
Implications for the VCFSE sector
Despite its emphasis on localised power, the white paper overlooks the vital role of the VCFSE sector in connecting communities with local authorities and fostering grassroots initiatives. Key proposals include:
Integrated Settlements: Strategic Authorities will gain streamlined funding with more control over budgets to meet need as outlined within Local Growth Plans, but there is limited guidance on how VCFSE organisations will contribute to planning or delivery.
Employment and skills support: Reforms such as merging JobCentre Plus and the National Careers Service will require VCFSE input to ensure inclusivity and tailored support.
Community assets: The focus on local ownership, such as the Right to Buy for Assets of Community Value, offers potential for community-driven initiatives but risks burdening local groups without adequate support.
Partnership working: The focus on local may provide opportunities for the VCFSE sector at place to be a key partner in implementing devolution across the country.
The path forward
For the VCFSE sector to thrive within this framework, proactive involvement is essential. By collaborating with local authorities, fostering partnerships, and advocating for grassroots approaches such as Citizen’s Juries, we can ensure that devolution truly empowers communities.
This is a critical moment for civil society. We need to seize the opportunity to make our voices heard and champion a devolution that works for everyone.
Read our full analysis here, developed in partnership with Network for Europe.
Spotlight on Manchester City Council’s Our Manchester Funds team
Manchester City Council’s Our Manchester Funds team was awarded with Outstanding Commissioner in the Local Authority category, at our Funding & Commissioning Awards 2024, celebrating their outstanding contribution to the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector across Manchester.
Our Funding & Commissioning Awards honour outstanding individuals and organisations driving excellence in funding and commissioning within the North West's VCFSE sector. Winners are nominated by the sector itself, celebrating their exceptional contributions.
Kieran Barnes and Seb Goodeson from the Our Manchester Funds team with Emma Newman our communications officer
What made them stand out
Nominated by Macc, the team stood out for their ability to listen, collaborate, and deliver funding programmes that truly reflect the needs of the city’s communities. Their work exemplifies what it means to combine strategic vision with a deep respect for the organisations they support.
The Our Manchester Funds team commitment to long-term sustainability has had a transformative impact. Through multi-year funding programmes, they’ve provided the stability organisations need to focus on making real change, from tackling inequalities to strengthening community connections.
One of their standout initiatives, ‘Conversation 2 Cash’, connects grassroots organisations with funding and development opportunities, helping smaller groups access the resources they need to grow. The team’s dedication to diversity has also ensured that Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnicity-led organisations have equitable access to support, fostering inclusion and fairness across the sector.
Responds to real challenges
Their partnership first approach has allowed the Our Manchester Funds team to adapt and respond to challenges, such as the cost-of-living crisis, with programmes designed to sustain vital services and protect Manchester’s most vulnerable.
Yen Siang Tan, Operations Director at VSNW, said: "The Our Manchester Funds team shows what’s possible when local authorities invest in collaboration and community-led solutions. Their work is making Manchester’s VCFSE sector stronger, more inclusive, and better equipped to thrive in the long term."
Kieran Barnes, Policy and Programmes Manager (Communities & VCSE) at Manchester City Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award! As a team, we're passionate and enthusiastic about what we do, so it's incredibly gratifying to have this recognised. We want to thank Macc for nominating us, it's a really positive reflection of the relationship we've built between our teams.
“We learn a lot from Macc and our other VCSE contacts, and always try to build on that, taking a sector-led approach to our work. The fact that this way of working and its outcomes have been recognised is quite humbling, but hugely reassuring and rewarding. We want to say a big thank you to our nominators, the panel and everyone at VSNW. You've made us really proud.”
Congratulations to Our Manchester Funds team for this well-deserved recognition!
Find out more about the team on Manchester City Council’s website.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations announced for 2025/26
Network for Europe’s Andy Churchill breaks down the detail of the recently published guidance for the one year UK Shared Prosperity programme for 2025/26.
Last week the UK government has announced the allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2025/26. This funding aims to support activities from April 2025 to March 2026, including continuation of existing UKSPF activity where appropriate, with an intention on transitioning to a future funding framework.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) remains responsible for overseeing the fund, which will be distributed across all areas of the UK. Notably, the new allocations take relative deprivation into account, moving away from the previous population-based formulas, an approach which is more reminiscent of previous European funding calculations, which will be welcomed by many.
| Area | Allocation for 2025/26 |
Three-year funding (2022-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Manchester | £43.2m | £98.2m |
| Liverpool City Region | £25.6m | £52.7m |
| Lancashire | £21.7m | £62.2m |
| Cheshire & Warrington | £9.5m | £33.1m |
| Cumbria | £6.1m | £21.2m |
| North West | £106.3m | £267.5m |
| England | £570.8m | £1.5bn |
| Total UK | £902m | £2.6bn |
Key highlights:
Funding focus: The UKSPF will support initiatives under the same three main headings: Local People, Local Places, and Local Enterprise. Funded activity must align with the government’s five missions: Economic Growth, Clean Energy, Safe Streets, Removing Barriers to Opportunity, and Health.
Local decision-making: The approach for 25/26 funding is significantly more light-touch with a delegated delivery model designed to empower local decision making and the allocation of funds based on local needs without the requirement for revised investment plans for 2025/26.
Increased capital funding: There is a higher percentage of capital funding for each area in comparison with the previous UKSPF programme, with a large portion of this earmarked for “Local Growth Plans and local priority investments”.
Multiply: No national funding for Multiply meaning there is more funding available locally. Multiply is no longer a separate category but adult basic maths can be included within other strands.
Devolution and local authorities
VCFSE collaboration with Strategic and Combined Authorities will be essential for the successful delivery of UKSPF projects. The recently published English Devolution White Paper highlights the governments ambitions for shifting power into communities that will have a significant impact across the North West with opportunities for the VCFSE sector to be a part of devolution.
In the North West, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region, both with established Mayoral Combined Authorities, continue to benefit from the deepening devolution of funds and powers from Central Government. A Combined County Authority is being developed in Lancashire, with the first initial meeting in the new year, receiving an initial £20 million in devolution funding. Discussions are also ongoing in Cumbria and Cheshire and Warrington towards further devolution.
Employment reforms
The 25/26 UKSPF programme will need to link to the recent “Get Britain Working” White Paper in which the government outlined its plans to transform the Department for Welfare into a Department for Work. This includes merging Jobcentre Plus and Careers Service into a new jobs and skills service, focusing on people's skills and careers and mobilising Mayors to provide joined up services to support local need.
Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region will receive funding for Trailblazers to set the blueprint for this new approach, with the latter focusing on delivering the Youth Guarantee, ensuring every young person has a chance to earn or learn.
Next steps
While the announcements and allocations appear positive, we strongly encourage our infrastructure organisations and partnerships to connect with their lead authority to advocate for the VCFSE sector’s role in UKSPF delivery. Lead authorities will be reviewing the recently released guidance to understand how this will shape delivery for next year so now is the time to ensure the sector is involved in planning for delivery.
VSNW will endeavour to support our infrastructure partnerships to advocate for the sector across the North West in developing UKSPF programmes (including its successor) that builds on the expertise and experience of the VCFSE.
You can also download this information here.
Network for Europe represents the VCFSE sector in the North West and has led the sectors engagement with European Union funding throughout the last few decades and engages with the third sector across Europe to share ideas and best practice. Andy has significant knowledge of VCFSE funding and has been instrumental in advocating for the important role of the VCFSE sector to the economy.
Call for contributions: Share your experiences and learning from failure (Manchester)
Ever messed-up? Yep, we have too.. we just don’t often talk about it.
We are looking for people from the VCSE sector in Greater Manchester to share their experience of failure and the valuable lessons learned from this as part of our event, ‘Learning from Failure’ on Thursday 23rd June 2022, in Manchester.
We’re interested in hearing about when things haven’t gone to plan in your field, what contributed to this, what did you learn from it, how you responded to it and what you did next. Each person will be given the stage for a couple minutes to share their experience with the audience.
It doesn’t have to be an epic adventure tale or end in success - although it could be these things as well. We are also interested in mundane experiences of failure - the everyday things that happen, ordinary ‘mistakes’ that lead to small golden nuggets of learning that we collect along the way when we mess up.
We want the event to create a space for people working in, with and funding the VCSE sector to talk about:
When things do not go as planned
How we can learn from things going wrong
The value of looking at failure in research and evaluation
How to get involved:
Skills for Growth Programme in Greater Manchester
The aim of the Skils for Growth programme is to provide an up-skilling service to VCSE organisations across Greater Manchester. This programme can be tailor-made with the ambition to help improve productivity across the workforce, which in turn will help your organisation to prosper.
What your organisation can expect:
Develop your team with skills
Maximise future growth
Reshape your organisation
Improve your team’s wellbeing
Funding your growth
Support for individuals is also available to:
Explore training providers and grow skillset
Help maximising opportunities
Guidance improving your CV
Develop interview techniques
Skills for Growth is delivered by Growth Company (GC) Business Growth Hub with GMCVO and funded through the European Social Fund, which is commissioned by GMCA.
MORE INFORMATION HERE.
Digital Inclusion in Great Manchester: Andy Burnham's Pledge
The last year has seen a rise in homeworking and the inextricable need for many people and organisations to increase their capacity to work and communicate online . This has exacerbated digital access inequalities, and has forced many to be ‘digitally excluded’. A focus on digital inclusion is therefore a necessity.
This month, Andy Burnham was re-elected as Greater Manchester’s Metro Mayor. He has since pledged to aim to equip all under 25s, over 75s and disabled members of the community with the skills and technology to engage with our ever increasing digital society. Through the newly established Digital Inclusion Action Network, Burnham will work with organisations to help extinguish digital exclusion in the city region.
Since 2020 and the Greater Manchester Technology Fund launch, over 1,300 disadvantged young people have been helped with a “digital kit bundle”, which includes a laptop or tablet and tools to get online.
