One Stockport VCFSE Alliance

Representing Stockport’s Voluntary, Community, Faith based and Social Enterprise sector

What is the One Stockport VCFSE Alliance?

In July 2023, the One Stockport VCFSE Strategy outlined three strategic priorities:
Investment & Funding, Capacity Building, and Community Power.

The VCFSE Alliance is a board of representatives from the Voluntary & Community Sector, Public and Private sectors to drive progression of the VCFSE Strategy.

It’s role is to ensure the voice of Stockport’s VCFSE sector is equally represented, hold key stakeholders to account and elevate the influence of our sector.

What can the One Stockport VCFSE Alliance do for our sector?

THE VCFSE Alliance is a platform for the sector to have a voice and strategic influence across Stockport. This enhanced direct communication with key stakeholders means greater opportunities for positive change, responsive service delivery, accountability, sustainable funding, empowered communities and more.

These benefits will collectively contribute to a stronger, more effective, and resilient VCFSE sector.

How do I have my voice heard?

The VCFSE Alliance is here to represent Stockport’s Voluntary & Community sector. We encourage community leaders to share concerns, challenges, questions and insight with the Alliance, so that they in turn can relay this information (anonymously) with key stakeholders and therefore work towards solutions that benefit our sector and communities.

Example questions could include:

  • Who is my VCFSE rep on Stockport’s Mental Health Board?

  • How can we work together with statutory partners to secure more leisure centre space for community activities during peak times?

Where does the VCFSE Alliance sit in relation to other boards?

Meet your VCFSE Alliance

  • Jacqui Wood

    Chief Executive Officer at Arts for Recovery (ARC)

  • Sam Palmer

    CEO at Respect for All

  • Raj Patta

    Minister at the Stockport Circuit with a pastoral charge of Heaton Mersey and St. John's churches.

  • Aba Graham

    Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Stockport Race Equality Partnership (SREP)

  • Beth Nunn

    Founder & Chief Executive Officer of PIE (Pursuing Individual Excellence)

  • Nadia Ali

    Chair of Stockport Women & Girls Network and Found & CEO of Make A Difference GM

  • Ryan McMurdo

    Head of Relationships at Starting Point

  • Kell Degnen

    Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Manc Forager

  • Cllr Helen Foster-Grimes

    Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport at Stockport Council

  • Michael Cullen

    CEO of Stockport Council

  • Jo McGrath

    CEO of Sector 3

  • Holly Rae

    Assistant Director - Strategy & Performance at Stockport Council

  • Kathryn Rees

    Executive Director - Corporate & Support at Stockport Council

  • Simone Callaghan

    Proper Good Stockport Lead and owner of The Goodness Collective

  • Philippa Johnson

    Deputy Place Lead, Stockport NHS Greater Manchester

  • Donald Moore

    Chairman of One and All and member of Stockport Economic Alliance

Terms of Reference -

What are the Alliance’s aims?

  • 1.       Sustainable Funding and Investment

    Diversified Funding Sources: The Alliance will aim to attract and secure funding from various sources, enhancing the financial stability of VCFSE organisations.

    Long-term Investment: Strategic partnerships and collaborations will help ensure sustainable funding, supporting the sector’s growth and resilience.

  • 2.       Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

    Expert Insights and Learning: Platforms for knowledge sharing will allow for the dissemination of best practices and innovative ideas, enhancing the skills and capabilities of VCFSE organisations.

    Professional Development: Access to training and development opportunities will strengthen the sector's overall capacity to deliver impactful services.

  • 3.       Empowered Community and Representation

    Amplified Community Voice: The Alliance will ensure that community voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes, promoting inclusivity and equity.

    Broader Representation: Representing Stockport in broader forums will ensure that local issues and successes are recognised and addressed at higher levels.

     

    4.       Responsive and Effective Service Delivery

    Community Needs Assessment: Regular assessments will ensure that services and strategies are aligned with the actual needs of the community, leading to more effective interventions.

    Tailored Solutions: Understanding community needs will allow for the development of tailored solutions that address specific challenges.

     

    5.       Community Facilitation and Well-being

    Grassroots Action: Facilitating community action will empower local groups to take initiative in addressing challenges, enhancing overall community well-being.

    Support Networks: Building strong networks of support within the community will foster resilience and collaboration.

     

    6.       Project and Research Support

    Enhanced Project Delivery: Support in the design and oversight of projects will ensure they are well-executed and impactful.

    Research and Innovation: Facilitating research initiatives will help identify new opportunities and innovative approaches to community challenges.

     

    7.       Enhanced Communication and Coordination

    Unified Contact Point: A single channel for communication will simplify engagement, reducing duplication of efforts and improving coordination across the VCFSE sector.

    Streamlined Information Sharing: Efficient dissemination of information will ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and able to participate effectively.

     

    8.       Strategic Co-production and Influence

    Collaborative Policy Development: Involving VCFSE organisations in the co-design of strategies and policies will ensure that these initiatives are grounded in practical, community-based insights.

    Increased Influence: The Alliance will amplify the voice of the VCFSE sector, ensuring it has a significant role in shaping public policy and community initiatives.

     

    9.       Increased Accountability and Strategic Oversight

    Monitoring Progress: The Alliance will provide oversight on the implementation of strategic priorities, ensuring transparency and accountability.

    Continuous Improvement: Regular evaluation and feedback loops will foster a culture of continuous improvement within the sector.

Next Meeting Date

14th May

Previous Meeting Minutes