GM VCFSE sector representation
Our representatives sit on boards and steering groups across the city in increasing numbers and come from all different sizes and scales of organisations.
Representatives (reps) provide a VCFSE sector perspective, with the aim of improving collaboration and codesign across Greater Manchester. They play a vital role in ensuring the sector is engaged with public sector decision making.
Responsibilities
Reps are asked to sign up to a protocol that commits them to connect actively with their peers, act on behalf of the wider sector and report news and opportunities.
Unlike statutory agencies, reps participating on behalf of the VCFSE sector are accountable to a diverse range of individual organisations but with no formal powers or decision-making authority.
Recruitment
Reps are recruited through an open process. To ensure accountability, requests for participation are made through VSNW as the VCFSE sector’s network in Greater Manchester.
Take a look at the steps below for an overview of the process for representative recruitment.
Step 1
GM LG identifies need for rep and/or board of influence identifies need for VCFSE insight.
Step 2
Partnership Officer (Kassie) to create Expression of Interest for VCFSE representative role and timetable
Step 3
Out for recruitment
Step 4
Individual or organisation completes Expression of Interest form and returns to: kassandra.banks@vsnw.org.uk
Step 5
GM VCFSE Leadership Group members to review submitted. Expression of Interest’s and vote for preferred candidate via an online voting system. The applicant who receives the most votes will be appointed.
Support for representatives
To enable reps to perform their role we provide several measures designed to assist them. We provide connection through communication channels to the Leadership Group and wider sector. This allows for sharing of ideas and feedback and enhances collaboration.
With this updated website we will provide reps with access to key information such as resources, events and messages. These will help to ensure that we are speaking as a sector and are equipped for strategic conversations.
Our partnerships officer, Kassie Banks, is always on hand to provide information and advice.
Get in touch
If you have any queries regarding VCFSE representation on boards across Greater Manchester, please email Kassie, Partnerships Officer at VSNW on Kassandra.banks@vsnw.org.uk.
If you are recruiting to a board or partnership, please fill in the form below and your request will be processed.
Organisations involved
News, events and opportunities
Key contacts
This work is being led by VSNW on behalf of the Leadership Group but cuts across all working groups and accord delivery.
Kassie Banks
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:
