The State of the Sector is a major research project in Trafford led by Trafford Community Collective and working with Salford CVS in partnership with Nottingham Trent University. 

The State of the Sector research builds an up-to-date picture of the VCFSE sector across Greater Manchester’s ten boroughs. It helps ensure the scale, diversity and impact of our sector in Trafford are properly understood and reflected in decision-making.

The survey is now live

If your organisation is a part of Trafford’s VCFSE sector — this survey is for you!

If you are Trafford Community Collective members you might have already received the survey sent by email by Nottingham Trent University, some answers may already be filled in – just update them as needed (please check your junk mail if you can’t find the email). You can use the link you were sent via email as the survey has been customised towards your organisation to save you time on completing the survey,

Before you start the survey, it may help to have the following information to hand:

• Your organisation’s most recent annual income and expenditure (approximate figures are fine).
• Details of financial reserves (if any).
• Number of paid staff (full-time, part-time, and any on casual/zero-hour contracts).
• Number of volunteers and trustees/board members, and (if possible) the approximate total hours they contribute in a typical week.
• Information on your organisation’s main funding sources (e.g., grants, contracts, trading, donations).
• Knowledge of your organisation’s premises (e.g., whether you own, lease, or share buildings).
• Awareness of your organisation’s main activities and groups served.

Building on research from 2017 and 2021, the 2026 phase of the State of the Sector project is led by Trafford Community Collective on behalf of 10GM, with Nottingham Trent University as the academic research partner. This coordinated research maps and analyses the size, diversity and value of the VCSE sector across the ten boroughs, providing up-to-date insight into its role, impact and needs.

By taking part, your organisation will help shape:

• Funding priorities
• Local and GM-wide policy
• Future support for the VCSE sector

Organisations completing the survey will receive:

• A free Individualised Insight Report
• Access to borough-level findings and an interactive dashboard
• Entry into a £250 locality-based prize draw

Thank you for taking the time to contribute. Your insight is vital to strengthening support for VCSE organisations and the communities they serve across Greater Manchester.

Why it’s important

“Your work matters and we want to make sure it’s seen, heard and celebrated. When you respond to this survey, you help show the real impact our sector makes. You help build evidence that demonstrates what communities need and what can be achieved. You make sure your voice – and the voices of the people you support – helps to shape decisions across Greater Manchester. The stronger our evidence, the better we can all advocate for our sector and support the case for funding and working with us.”  – Trafford Community Collective

This coordinated research maps and analyses the size, diversity and value of the VCSE sector across the ten boroughs, providing up-to-date insight into its role, impact and needs.

What’s in it for your organisation?

By taking part in this research, organisations help build a clear picture of the VCSE sector across Greater Manchester. Your input will influence funding, policy, and support, making sure the sector’s voice is heard.

Each organisation completing the State of the Sector Survey will be entered into a locality-based prize draw worth £250.

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this important research. Your input will help shape understanding of the sector and inform decisions that support VCSE organisations and the communities they serve across Greater Manchester.

See the 10GM page for Frequently Asked Questions

GM SoS information sheet final.pdf