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GMVSS is a partnership of local support organisations in Greater Manchester. Individually and collectively we provide support to help the voluntary and community sector

The partnership was formally established in 2005 to help improve support through a collaborative, co-ordinated approach.  Our aim is to deliver high quality, accessible services to groups and organisations across Greater Manchester.

Independently and collectively, GMVSS members offer information, advice and guidance to help voluntary and community organisations set up, develop and grow. For instance they might help a group to develop a constitution, set up the right policies and procedures, find the funding that they need or recruit volunteers.  They also get together to help co-ordinate some of this support across Greater Manchester, for instance through the Greater Manchester Funding Portal or the GMVSS Market Place.

As the lead body, GMCVO takes overall responsibility and helps drive the GMVSS vision forward with its members.  Our work is guided by our values – a commitment to equality and valuing diversity, participation, co-operation and democratic involvement. In supporting the voluntary and community sector, we help to combat social exclusion and disadvantage, as well as improving the quality of life for local communities, groups and residents of Greater Manchester.

Background
We were formed in 2005 in response to a central government programme called ‘ChangeUp’, which was a ten year vision for the voluntary and community sector up to 2014.  The aim was to embed high quality, accessible and sustainable support to empower frontline groups and organisations.  The vision was that by 2014, we would see a fully transformed and thriving third sector across the country.

Originally formed as a consortium to access vital funding for the sector, GMVSS has evolved into a partnership over the years that looks more at strategic development for the sector.  

Our Members
We are currently made up of 36 member organisations that provide a mix of general development support, specialist skills, and specialist support to a specific community of interest.

Although they differ in both size and character, collectively GMVSS members are in touch with thousands of voluntary and community groups across Greater Manchester.  Their services are ‘vital for the most disadvantaged communities - those that have been hit hardest by the recession’ (Barney Mynott, NAVCA). 

The voluntary and community sector is vital to public bodies, because they provide community services, build community cohesion and tackle discrimination, regenerate neighbourhoods and strengthen quality of life.  To see the full list of our current members, visit: www.gmvss.net/members