The Chair welcomed those present and attendees introduced themselves.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Emsley and Sheerin, Sarah Lageard (Co-Production & Engagement Officer, RBC) and Javed Rehman (Bridging Communities).

To consider the minutes of the Voluntary Sector Partnership meeting held on Thursday 23 January 2025.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Voluntary Sector Partnership meeting held on 23 January 2025 be approved as a correct record.

To receive a presentation from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The Partnership received a presentation of the District Communications Officer and the Campaigns and Engagement Officer at Greater Manchester Police (GMP) which detailed Bee in the Loop.

Members were informed that Bee in the Loop was a free community messaging service by GMP that was designed to strengthen partnerships and dialogue with communities in a positive and proactive manner.

Residents could sign up to receive free tailored alerts directly to their email inbox to remain updated with what was happening within their area. This ranged from crime updates, local incidents, or information from neighbourhood police officers such as ward meetings.

Examples of local updates were provided to the Partnership, such as an update from Sergeant Walsh in relation to Operation Dragster Off Road Bike Operation in Rochdale North and East areas on 16 March 2025.

The system was a two-way engagement tool as it allowed public to communicate with GMP officers directly. It was also an investigative tool and could be used to appeal for information or intelligence and help to solve crime.

The importance of the service was highlighted as it was available as a trusted source of information during events which may cause misinformation across social media platforms.

It was noted to Members that GMP could work in partnership with Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise sector (VCFSE) organisations to send messages out on behalf of localised groups.

Resolved: That the presentation be noted.

To receive an update from the Rochdale Director – Action Together in relation to an open letter sent to commissioners regarding instability in the sector.

A verbal presentation was received from the Rochdale Director of Action Together which informed attendees that an open letter had been sent to commissioners in relation to current issues of instability for VCFSE organisations.

The letter, sent on behalf of Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group, detailed how VCFSE organisations across the region were experiencing instability due to a combination of long-standing challenges, new financial pressures and poor commissioning practices which had left the sector vulnerable.

It was noted that the recent increase in National Insurance Contributions (NIC) was further pushing the sector into a critical period of instability, with devastating consequences for local communities.

Examples of the impact of the issues raised were provided, such as 900 job losses across Greater Manchester as a result of national insurance increases, and organisations being forced to venture into reserves or make cuts to essential services and collaborative partnerships.

The representative of Action Together highlighted that without urgent support from commissioners shared ambitions – including Greater Manchester’s Live Well ambitions, the NHS Long Term Plan, the GM NHS Sustainability Plan - would be impossible to achieve. This would result in increased challenges and costs in future.

The letter was a critical call for action and urged for a response from Greater Manchester commissioners to address the concerns that were raised.

Resolved:

1.    That the verbal presentation be noted;

2.    That the Head of Planning and Improvement (Public Health) be invited to a future meeting of Voluntary Sector Partnership to provide a presentation on the Council’s commissioning strategy.

To receive an update from the Community Development Worker – Action Together in relation to current funding and support available to the VCFSE sector.

A verbal presentation was provided by the Community Development Worker at Action Together which provided an updated overview of the organisation.

It was noted that membership of Action Together was free and open to any VCFSE organisation in Rochdale, Oldham or Tameside. The work of Action Together was centred on core themes: Volunteering, Capacity building, Investment, Partnerships and collaboration, and Leadership and advocacy.

Action Together supported people to volunteer in their area and assisted local organisations to develop volunteer programmes, policies and roles. Specialist information, advice and training was also provided for staff, volunteers and trustees.

A grants programme was available for members to apply for funding. Support for groups that sought to apply for investment was also provided.

It was highlighted by a member of the Partnership that enhanced publication of the free Quality in Action Award (QiAA) provided by Action Together would be beneficial for local VCFSE organisations as it offered an independent, local seal of approval which publicly demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Resolved: That the update be noted.

To discuss feedback received for the current terms of reference and agree meeting themes for the 2025/26 year, including presentations to be received.

The Chair opened a discussion for attendees to agree Voluntary Sector Partnership meeting themes for the upcoming 2025/26 year, including presentations to be received.

The themes were discussed and agreed as follows:

·         Commissioning – 26 June 2025

·         Live Well – 25 September 2025

·         Public Health – 22 January 2026

·         To be confirmed - 19 March 2026