36 local leaders came together at Rehoboth for Families on 20 May 2026 for a collaborative workshop focused on celebrating achievements, strengthening partnerships, and influencing strategic thinking across Trafford through the launch of the refreshed ACCORD.
The workshop brought together VCFSE organisations, community representatives, Trafford Council partners, and key stakeholders to reflect on shared values, collaboration, and opportunities to strengthen community impact. Across all discussions, there was a strong collective ambition to improve wellbeing and outcomes for Trafford residents through partnership working, trust-building, and inclusive engagement.
Introducing the Refreshed ACCORD
The refreshed ACCORD is built around three key areas of change:
- Involve and Devolve
- Resource and Enable
- Recognise and Value
These priorities will help guide future collaboration between the VCFSE sector and public sector partners.
Key Themes from the Workshop
Shared Values and Community Ambition
Participants highlighted a shared commitment to improving outcomes for local communities. The VCFSE sector was recognised as a vital link between residents and public services, helping to amplify lived experience, tackle inequalities, and ensure community voices are heard in decision-making. Grassroots organisations were particularly valued for their deep understanding of local needs and strong community connections.
Trust, Collaboration and Engagement
Building stronger relationships between Trafford Council, healthcare partners, commissioners, and VCFSE organisations emerged as a key priority. Participants called for more opportunities for direct engagement, improved communication, stronger networking, and greater VCFSE representation within strategic and commissioning structures.
Funding and Accountability
Funding processes remain a significant challenge, particularly for smaller organisations. Discussions highlighted concerns around delays in funding decisions, complex bureaucracy, and cashflow pressures. Participants also emphasised the importance of accountability from funders and commissioners, alongside improved support for measuring and evidencing social value.
Inclusion and Representation
There was strong support for increasing the visibility and influence of smaller and grassroots organisations. Suggestions included mentoring, training, induction opportunities, improved transparency around decision-making structures, and greater support for VCFSE representatives serving on boards and steering groups.
Resources, Infrastructure and Community Assets
Participants recognised the sector’s strengths in community mobilisation and partnership working while identifying opportunities to improve:
- Coordination of funding bids
- Access to non-government funding sources
- Awareness of available community spaces
- Volunteer recruitment and matching
- Collaboration on local strategies
There was also a clear desire to celebrate community success more visibly through storytelling and community events.
Key Priorities for Action
The workshop identified several priorities that will shape future work:
- Strengthening trust between communities, public sector bodies, and VCFSE partners
- Improving funding systems, timelines, and accountability
- Enhancing collaboration across sectors and services
- Increasing representation of smaller organisations
- Building capacity through training, mentoring, and shared learning
- Strengthening engagement with health services, councillors, and executive leadership
- Improving recognition and measurement of social value
- Creating more opportunities for community participation and co-production
Next Steps
The priorities identified will now be shared with VCFSE and public sector leadership partners and incorporated into wider neighbourhood, health, and social care planning.
The VCFSE leadership group will continue exploring the themes raised, with a full summary and feedback session scheduled at the TCC Members Meeting on 16 July 2026.
Digital Inclusion Update
We were also pleased to welcome Hazel Kindly, Digital Inclusion and Partnership Manager at Trafford Council, who provided an engaging overview of digital inclusion activity and community provision across Trafford.
How Can You Get Involved?
Digital Trafford is keen to work with organisations to:
- Build a clearer picture of digital inclusion activity across Trafford
- Hold one-to-one conversations to understand local priorities and challenges
- Develop collaborative funding bids and partnership opportunities
- Share good practice and connect organisations with similar interests
- Launch a refurbished desktop computer offer for VCFSE organisations
To find out more, contact: digitaltrafford@trafford.gov.uk
Thank You
A special thank you to Elizabeth and the team at Rehoboth for Families for their warm welcome, excellent hospitality, and support in hosting a successful and productive event.
