The State of the Sector is a major research project led by Salford CVS and working with Greater Manchester’s Local Infrastructure Organisations in partnership with Nottingham Trent University.
The State of the Sector research builds an up-to-date picture of the VCSE sector across Greater Manchester’s ten boroughs. It helps ensure the scale, diversity and impact of our sector are properly understood and reflected in decision-making.
The survey is now live
Salford CVS members: if you were sent the survey by email by Nottingham Trent University, some answers may already be filled in – just update them as needed (please check your junk mail if you can’t find the email). It’s important to use the link you were sent via email as the survey has been customised towards your organisation to save you time on completing the survey,
If your organisation is not a member Salford CVS, you can still take part in the survey.
Before you start the survey, it may help to have the following information to hand:
- Your organisation’s most recent annual income and expenditure (approximate figures are fine).
- Details of financial reserves (if any).
- Number of paid staff (full-time, part-time, and any on casual/zero-hour contracts).
- Number of volunteers and trustees/board members, and (if possible) the approximate total hours they contribute in a typical week.
- Information on your organisation’s main funding sources (e.g., grants, contracts, trading, donations).
- Knowledge of your organisation’s premises (e.g., whether you own, lease, or share buildings).
- Awareness of your organisation’s main activities and groups served.
Building on research from 2017 and 2021, the 2026 phase of the State of the Sector project is led by Salford CVS on behalf of 10GM, in partnership with all Greater Manchester LIOs, with Nottingham Trent University as the academic research partner. This coordinated research maps and analyses the size, diversity and value of the VCSE sector across the ten boroughs, providing up-to-date insight into its role, impact and needs.
By taking part, your organisation will help shape:
- Funding priorities
- Local and GM-wide policy
- Future support for the VCSE sector
Organisations completing the survey will receive:
- A free Individualised Insight Report
- Access to borough-level findings and an interactive dashboard
- Entry into a £250 locality-based prize draw
📬 The survey is sent directly to organisations by email from
gmstateofthesector@qualtrics-research.com
Subject line: Take Part in Greater Manchester’s State of the Sector Survey
(Please check your junk folder.)
Thank you for taking the time to contribute. Your insight is vital to strengthening support for VCSE organisations and the communities they serve across Greater Manchester.
Why it's important
"Your work matters and we want to make sure it's seen, heard and celebrated. When you respond to this survey, you help show the real impact our sector makes. You help build evidence that demonstrates what communities need and what can be achieved. You make sure your voice – and the voices of the people you support – helps to shape decisions across Greater Manchester. The stronger our evidence, the better we can all advocate for our sector and support the case for funding and working with us." Salford CVS
This coordinated research maps and analyses the size, diversity and value of the VCSE sector across the ten boroughs, providing up-to-date insight into its role, impact and needs.
Read our blog on why it is important that you complete the survey.
For more information contact Joe Kendal
What’s in it for my organisation?
By taking part in this research, organisations help build a clear picture of the VCSE sector across Greater Manchester. Your input will influence funding, policy, and support, making sure the sector’s voice is heard. Participation will:
- Ensure your work and experiences are represented across Greater Manchester.
- Help decision-makers understand and invest in the sector.
- Strengthen the case for ongoing investment in services, infrastructure, and community-led initiatives.
- Contribute to publicly available research supporting VCSE planning, development, and advocacy.
Organisations completing the survey can receive an Individualised Insights Report to compare with others. This can support funding bids, strategic planning, and advocacy, while helping organisations reflect on their role in the wider sector and shape the future of VCSE work in your community.
*Image for illustrative purposes only.
See the 10GM page for Frequently Asked Questions