Our Strategic Work

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. Book your place here 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.

We were delighted to be joined by around 50 attendees representing diverse local communities in Trafford at our members meeting on 23rd April 2026 hosted by Sale Moor Community Partnership. The meeting celebrated the dedication of local people who work tirelessly to strengthen their communities and marked the launch of the Trafford Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection Programme. Sale Moor Community Partnership The Collective received a warm welcome from Sale Moor Community Partnership (SMCP) who exist to promote education, wellbeing, environmental improvement and prosperity for community benefit in Sale Moor. The team took this opportunity to share inspiring examples of their work with us, including initiatives like the homework club, music and art and special attention to the food club, which highlight the impact of simple, community-led support. You can find out more about SMCP on their website here. Trafford Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection Programme. Funded by £16.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, this four-year Greater Manchester initiative will support the development of over 100 inclusive, community-led spaces where people can connect, belong, and access everyday support. The programme prioritises communities facing the greatest inequalities and aims to strengthen social infrastructure, increase community power, and build local resilience. Beyond funding, the programme focuses on shifting power to communities—ensuring local people shape decisions and investment. It also supports collaboration between VCFSE organisations, public services, and residents, while embedding equity and inclusion. Key aims include: Shifting Systems Growing Community Power Strengthening the VCFSE Sector in Trafford and across GM You can view/download the presentation slides below. Spaces and Places of Hope and Connection: Introduction and OverviewDownload The programme is part of the wider Greater Manchester Live Well approach and builds on two years of partnership work. It aligns with regional priorities around prevention, inclusion, and economic development. Overall, this represents a significant opportunity in Trafford  to invest in grassroots community infrastructure, support local leadership, and create more connected, fairer communities across Greater Manchester. Speech and Language Approaches in Trafford We were thankful for the contribution of Valerie Grey from Trafford who gave an insightful presentation in speech and language approaches . Valerie is keen to hear from VCFSE colleagues who work across the sector to ensure the valuable work that is happening in  communities is recognised and valued within the wider public sector offer . You can contact Valerie direct at: Valerie.Gray@trafford.gov.uk Interactive Workshop: Strengthening Community Participation We also hosted a group session exploring how we listen to and work alongside our communities, sharing experiences, challenges, and practical ideas. Below are some notes from the groups: Next meeting The next Trafford Collective meeting will be held on 16th July 2026 — please save the date and join us, it would be great to see you there!

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! Take part in the State of the Sector Survey! 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. Participation will: Ensure your work and experiences are represented across Greater Manchester. Help decision-makers understand and invest in the sector. Strengthen the case for ongoing investment in services, infrastructure, and community-led initiatives. Contribute to publicly available research supporting VCSE planning, development, and advocacy. Organisations completing the survey can receive an Individualised Insights Report to compare with others. This can support funding bids, strategic planning, and advocacy, while helping organisations reflect on their role in the wider sector and shape the future of VCSE work in your community. *Image for illustrative purposes only. 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