Cheshire and Warrington Infrastructure Partnership (CWIP) is delighted to launch a manifesto for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Cheshire and Warrington.
The manifesto will be a key part of the VCFSE sector’s approach to devolution, with a Combined Authority being put in place for Cheshire and Warrington next year.
CWIP, which is supported by Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW), brings together local infrastructure organisations in the region, including the following.
- Cheshire Community Action (CCA)
- Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA)
- Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) Cheshire East
- Warrington Voluntary Action (WVA)
Kate Little CVSCE CEO - Devolution is an opportunity for communities in Cheshire and Warrington to have a stronger voice in regional matters, as well as at a national level through the Mayor. The VCFSE sector is a major contributor to the regional economy and a key provider of essential services, and this Manifesto sets out ways we hope to work with the new Combined Authority to embed communities in policy-making.
The manifesto is based on 10 key themes, highlighting the important role the VCFSE sector can play to support communities in Cheshire and Warrington.
The manifesto has been developed alongside the wider VCFSE sector, with more than 40 people attending a recent webinar and others providing feedback digitally.
With six additional seats on the Combined Authority Board, working alongside the Mayor and leaders and deputy leaders of the three councils, a key ask as part of the manifesto is for one of these to be a VCFSE sector representative.
A more detailed action plan, alongside evidence to demonstrate the impact of the VCFSE sector, will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months to support the manifesto and place the sector in a positive position to take advantage of future opportunities.
If you’d like more information about the manifesto or CWIP’s approach to devolution, please email: cwip@vsnw.org.uk.
There are also the following key contacts in the various infrastructure organisations.
- CCA - John Heselwood (john.heselwood@cheshireaction.org.uk)
- CWVA - Ryan Gould (ryan.gould@cwva.org.uk)
- CVS Cheshire East - Kate Little (kate.little@cvsce.org.uk)
- WVA - Naz Ghodrati (naz@warringtonva.org.uk)
