Collaborate on GM level projects
Locality Engagement and Infrastructure: Creating and Sustaining the VCSE Ecosystem
10GM leads the work on the locality ecosystem and infrastructure within the Accord. The aim of this work is to develop the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector (VCSE) ecosystem by growing VCSE infrastructure capacity and ‘scaffolding’ for the involvement of communities of identity, experience and place in each of the ten districts of Greater Manchester by developing communications and collaboration between Local Infrastructure Organisations and system stakeholders at Greater Manchester-level.
Local Infrastructure in Greater Manchester
What’s Local Infrastructure?
Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) support the third sector (voluntary, community, social enterprises, faith groups – VCSE) in their localities.
Strong local infrastructure enables communities to influence decision-making, build partnerships and networks, and encourage volunteering opportunities. When this support is accessible locally, individuals and communities thrive.
In Greater Manchester, eight LIOs support the ten boroughs.
Priorities for 2023-2026
Our priorities for 2023-2026 are to work together with Greater Manchester’s Local VCSE Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) to address common issues faced by VCSE organisations across Greater Manchester (GM). We’ll connect both locality and GM insight at a strategic level to influence Greater Manchester and local plans and activity.
To achieve this, 10GM provides project support to collaborative GM projects such as the community-led initiatives for Violence Reduction and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and supports LIOs to connect with other Greater Manchester Networks, such as the GM Equality Alliance.
We will continue to facilitate monthly meetings of the Greater Manchester Local VCSE Infrastructure Organisations to:
Share information across GM VCSE local infrastructure providers
Generate insight to influence Greater Manchester strategy and plans
Generate shared funding bids to secure additional resources for VCSE local infrastructure
Provide peer support and swap, shop and share good practice
Work on VCSE infrastructure development, which is closely aligned with the GM Infrastructure Development Programme.
The GM VCSE Local Infrastructure Organisation Networks
Greater Manchester has a network of local VCSE infrastructure organisations (LIOs) that operate in each of the ten localities. There are several groups dedicated to developing LIOs so they’re in the best shape possible to support our VCSE sector with everything it needs to thrive.
The GM VCSE Local Infrastructure Organisation Strategic Network
The LIO Strategic Network meetings take place on a monthly basis, facilitated by 10GM. Its membership consists of the senior leaders from each Local Infrastructure Organisation in Greater Manchester (or alternative). Each month, the group identifies key topics to discuss and collaborate on. The Chair rotates across the members each month.
GM LIO Collaboration Forum
The Collaboration Forum provides a distinct space for operational, delivery, and collaborative discussion with infrastructure development work and collaboration at its core. It also includes all joint work being done together (i.e., VRU, workforce project, The Accord, etc.), providing a space to swap, shop, and share relevant information and resources.
LIO Development Managers Group
The LIO Development Managers group is a swap/shop/share and peer support space for LIO colleagues working in organisational development.
LIO Volunteer Managers Forum
The LIO Volunteer Managers Forum is a swap/shop/share and peer support space for LIO colleagues working in volunteer centres across GM.
LIO Ops Net (Operations Network)
The LIO Ops Net provides a regular opportunity for those working “behind the scenes” in crucial back office roles to discuss topics that are of importance to the smooth running of their organisations. Covers areas such as recruitment, tax, HR, policies and processes, and systems.
VCSE Communications Group
The VCSE Comms Group meets monthly as a peer-learning forum to share campaigns, challenges, and insights. It brings together communications leads from each of Greater Manchester’s local infrastructure organisations, along with representatives from GM-wide bodies delivering overarching comms functions, such as the VCFSE Leadership Group.
Find out about the GM Local Infrastructure Development Programme
The E11 GM Infrastructure Development Programme (GMIDP) is improving the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) locality infrastructure support for community activity.
Find out more about the activity of the Strategic Network:
Developing Greater Manchester’s VCSE Ecosystem 2024/25
VCSE Local Infrastructure plays a crucial role in delivering against the GM VCSE Accord commitment to “Build the best VCSE Ecosystem in the country”.
This report outlines the vital leadership and delivery role played by the VCSE Local Infrastructure Organisations between April 2024 and March 2025 and the impact seen.
GM VCSE Accord Ecosystem: Local Infrastructure Activity 2023-24
VCSE Local Infrastructure plays a crucial role in delivering against the GM VCSE Accord commitment to “Build the best VCSE Ecosystem in the country.”
This report outlines the vital leadership and delivery role played by the VCSE Local Infrastructure Organisations between April 2023 and March 2024 and the impact seen.
GM VCSE Local Infrastructure Cost of Living Response Update, February 2024
VCSE Local Infrastructure is playing a crucial role in responding to the cost of living crisis in Greater Manchester through the distribution of grants, provision of information, hosting of events, engaging with the community, provision of Warm Spaces, and a host of other activities.
This briefing outlines the vital leadership and delivery role played by the VCSE Local Infrastructure Organisations, the shared challenges in delivering this work, and key messages for the wider system.
Greater Manchester VCSE Localities Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Activity Highlights: June 2023
Greater Manchester VCSE Localities Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Activity Highlights: June 2023
You can view a summary of of the VCSE equalities work being undertaken in localities, identified by Local VCSE Infrastructure Organisations.
The information was collated in June 2023, with contributions sought from each of the ten Greater Manchester Local VCSE Infrastructure Organisations (or alternative).
Get involved
To find out more about this work or get involved, contact Susie Wright (Strategic Lead at 10GM).
Content last reviewed on 23 October 2025
