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was signed in November 2017 as a collaboration agreement between public bodies and civil society.

The Accord was established by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership with a group of GM-based civil society leaders to build a relationship that would recognise and unlock the full potential of civil society to address inequalities in the city-region for the public’s benefit. 

A spotlight on civil society

The Accord has helped raise the profile of civil society organisations with local public sector leaders and put a spotlight on the value and expertise that they can bring. One resulting partnership is the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (GMVRU) between government, police, health, education, youth justice services, local authorities, other statutory agencies and civil society. The GMVRU is committed to taking a community-led approach in its efforts to prevent violence. This approach acknowledges the value and strength of civil society organisations in working closely with communities, to understand their needs, challenges and strengths in relation to violence prevention. It also places decision-making in the hands of communities, including setting priorities and agreeing funding for projects and interventions aimed at engaging children, young people and families.

StreetDoctors

VRU Initiatives have included a civil society led StreetDoctors programme which delivers training sessions for young people to act in a medical emergency. This resulted in 95% of young people knowing what to do if someone is bleeding or unconscious, and 85% being willing to act in a medical emergency.

Enhancing the Accord’s visibility

An suggests enhancing the Accord’s visibility and embedding its principles across public sector organisations. This will enhance recognition of civil society’s value across GM, thereby supporting increased involvement of VCSEs and increasing citizens’ voices in GM wide work.