The Greater Manchester Older People’s Network (GMOPN) is a network of people aged 50 and above and organisational representatives working for positive change for older people in Greater Manchester. The network has more than 500 members across Greater Manchester. The Network was established in 2015 and since this time has grown to be a well-respected and influential voice for older people in Greater Manchester.
GMOPN is facilitated by Manchester Community Central but is a member-led Network and works according to the values, aims and objectives determined by its membership. These aims, objectives and values are complementary to those of Manchester Community Central as the facilitating organisation.
The Network aims:
- To make sure that decisions made and work undertaken across Greater Manchester take into account the values and priorities of older people
- To promote the significance of older people as vital members of communities and society
- To make sure that older people from every borough of Greater Manchester and from diverse backgrounds have a chance to have their voices heard and have an influence.
And has the following values and principles:
- Being led by older people – the network ensures that older people take a leading role in the network, shaping its direction and priorities.
- Being Age Proud – the network works to celebrate ageing and to emphasise the contributions that older people bring to our society.
- Being representative and inclusive – encouraging the input of older people from all areas of Greater Manchester, from across the age range and representing all voices, including the most marginalised.
Manchester Community Central also supports other community voice and influence projects. These include the GM Older People’s Equality Panel and GM Mature Minds Matter (Older People’s Mental Health Network). This role sits within the Older People’s Team and work undertaken by the network takes place in collaboration with these projects. You can find out more about the GM Older People’s Network through the website.
This role supports the Greater Manchester Older People’s Network to enable older people to influence public decisions, service provision and strategic decision-making in Greater Manchester. The work is rooted in an asset-based approach to community development and lived-experience involvement, valuing the unique perspectives that older people contribute in working for positive change and social justice.
The role requires a creative approach to facilitate and develop engagement activities, working with members to develop specific campaigns, projects, events and engagement workshops that reflect the changing priorities of the membership and emerging opportunities to influence.
The post-holder will need to work collaboratively with the Greater Manchester Older People’s Steering Group, the wider network, other members of Manchester Community Central’s Older People’s Team and key organisations and policy and strategy makers across Greater Manchester.
Salary: £27,291 (pro rata if reduced hours)
Hours: 35 hours per week (would consider as a 4 day/week role or 28 hours worked flexibly over 5 days)
Location: Based in the Manchester Community Central office in Manchester City Centre but with some remote working
Contract: 1 year (extension subject to future funding)
Reporting to: GM Older People’s Team Manager
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who’s proactive, enthusiastic, and great at building relationships. This role is all about bringing people and organisations together to create positive change for and with older people in Greater Manchester.
You’ll need to be community-focused, with a strong commitment to improving the lives of local people. Some experience of the VCSE sector and how it makes a difference in communities is essential, especially in supporting Greater Manchester’s diverse communities. Collaboration will be at the heart of your work, so we’re looking for someone who thrives on building partnerships and working towards shared goals.
Being a great communicator is key. You’ll need to explain ideas clearly, whether that’s through writing reports, running training sessions, or delivering workshops. You’ll also need to feel comfortable engaging with all kinds of people—from grassroots community groups to councils and other public organisations.
Inclusivity is really important to us. We want to make sure that all voices are heard, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Part of your role will involve supporting diverse leaders to step up and play an active role in advocacy and decision-making. Creative thinking is also a big part of this job as it needs someone who can find engaging ways to champion community-led, person-centred approaches, focusing on the needs of people who are often overlooked.
This is a role for someone who’s confident in influencing and challenging ideas when necessary. You’ll help ensure sure that decisions reflect the needs and perspectives of the VCSE sector. At the same time, you’ll be a natural connector, skilled at bringing people and organisations together to create opportunities for collaboration and positive change.
Finally, you’ll need to be organised and thorough, keeping track of key contacts, activities, and developments. Being able to share progress updates clearly and professionally with others will also be an important part of your work.
How to apply
On our website is a recruitment, short application form in which we ask you for some basic details and a few questions about your skills, knowledge and relevant experience. There is also an equalities monitoring form with simple questions and a privacy statement which we ask you to confirm you have read.
Once you’ve completed the form, please email it to: pauline@macc.org.uk by Monday 1st December at 12pm (noon).
Need help or more information?
If you have any questions about the application process or to clarify any information in this Recruitment Pack, please email pauline@macc.org.uk
What Manchester Community Central offers
At Manchester Community Central, we are committed to being an inclusive and supportive employer. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, and we offer:
- Flexible working: We value flexible working and offer options such as adjusted working hours, hybrid or home working. We have office space in Ardwick but our approach balances personal choice, building teamwork and the needs of the people we work with.
- Wellbeing support: Our dedicated Health and Wellbeing team works to create a culture that supports everyone’s health and wellbeing at Manchester Community Central. This includes access to confidential, in-house mental health first aiders and regular team social activities. We also offer ‘Re-energise Afternoons’ – monthly sessions where staff can take time away from work to rest and recharge.
- Carers support: We are committed to supporting carers in the workplace, and we offer five days paid carers' leave per year for those with ongoing caring responsibilities, along with other support.
- Menstrual Health and Menopause friendly workplace: We are proud to be Menstruation and Menopause Friendly employers, providing a range of support to help staff to manage symptoms, as well as educating employees on these topics.
- Professional development: Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and dedicated budgets for external training and growth.
- Volunteering leave: Staff are entitled to up to 2 days per year (pro rata) with pay to engage in voluntary activities.
- Active travel incentives: Support for public transport season tickets, a Cycle to Work scheme, and travel expenses for cyclists.
These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting staff while working together to strengthen Manchester's communities.
If you have specific needs or requests (e.g. related to accessibility, caregiving, flexible working, or something else), we encourage you to let us know during the application process.
£27,291 (pro rata if reduced hours)
