GMCA 715 - Greater Manchester Equality Panel Facilitation

Description

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is seeking to provide contract funding for the facilitation of three of our Greater Manchester Equality Panels. 

The Greater Manchester Strategy sets out a clear ambition for 'a place where all voices are heard and where, working together, we can shape our future', and this is reinforced in the principles underpinning the Greater Manchester Model; 'doing with not to'. Greater Manchester covers the ten local authority areas of Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.

The Equality Panels have been established to help tackle the structural and organisational prejudice and discrimination that causes inequality and injustice in society, through the advancement of equity and fairness in decisions, policies and services across all sectors and communities. 

The Panels advise, support and challenge Greater Manchester's political leaders and policy-makers to tackle the discrimination and disadvantage that cause injustice and inequality in society, and champion Greater Manchester as an inclusive city-region. 

They do this by working together with the GMCA and partners to:
•	Provide insight into Greater Manchester's diverse communities, enabling political leaders and public bodies to listen and engage in a more targeted and effective way
•	Communicate key messages to our diverse communities as trusted sources
•	Codesign policies, programmes and strategies to ensure they work effectively for communities
•	Support an asset-based approach, highlighting new opportunities (and challenges) for positive collaboration that build on the resources and strengths within our communities

Membership of the panels aims to reflect the diversity of Greater Manchester, with a broad representation across different demographics, the ten districts, and across sectors and other interests. Collectively, panel members possess strong links to the communities that they provide the voice of, through grass roots organisations and established networks. Furthermore, the Panels take an intersectional approach where appropriate, collaborating with other GM Equality Panels and networks. 

The GMCA is seeking facilitating organisations for the following panels:
1.	LGBTQ+ Equality Panel
2.	Women and Girls Equality Panel
3.	Older Peoples Equality Panel

Bidders have the ability to submit a tender submission to facilitate all, some or one of the panels.