New Stockport fund unites VCFSE and private sector to address employment inequality

Sector 3, in partnership with Stockport Council, has launched the Stockport VCFSE Work and Skills Fund, a new initiative designed to address systemic barriers to employment and promote inclusive economic participation across the borough.

This targeted fund will support incorporated Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations to deliver innovative projects that help to reduce the employment inequalities gap. Whether through supported volunteering, employer engagement, or inclusive recruitment practices, the fund aims to create fairer pathways into employment for those who are often excluded from traditional opportunities.

Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council, said:

“Stockport has always been a place where innovation and partnership go hand in hand.

“This new Work and Skills Fund is a fantastic example of how our voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector can work alongside local businesses to break down barriers to employment.

“By supporting new ideas and building on what works, we’re making Stockport a fairer, more inclusive place to live and work.

“I’m proud that we’re leading the way in Greater Manchester, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this fund will have for our residents and communities.”

Victoria Shaw, Chief Operations Officer of Sector 3 said:

“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Stockport Council’s Economy, Work & Skills Team, championing a bold and innovative approach to tackling unemployment. By fostering stronger collaboration between the voluntary, community, faith, social enterprise (VCFSE) sector and the private sector, we are unlocking new opportunities to address employment inequalities and ultimately reduce unemployment. This cross-sector partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusive growth and demonstrates the transformative potential of working together to create fairer, healthier communities.”

Key priorities for the fund include:

• Targeted support for people facing systemic barriers to employment, including disabled people, ethnically diverse, and those with lived experience of trauma or long-term unemployment.
• Supported volunteering pathways that reduce barriers to participation—covering expenses and offering wraparound support to help individuals gain confidence, skills, and community connection.
• Training for employers on inclusive recruitment, accessibility, trauma-informed practices, mental health at work, and flexible job design.
• Toolkits and resources to help businesses adapt recruitment, induction, and retention practices to be more inclusive.
• Employer engagement pilots that build trusted relationships across sectors and support businesses to implement inclusive practices.
• Promotion of fair and flexible job opportunities for people who have historically been excluded from the labour market.

By investing in the VCFSE sector, the fund recognises the vital role community organisations play in connecting employment and skills support with health, wellbeing, and social inclusion.

The fund plays an important role in Stockport’s Live Well initiative, joining up public, private and VCFSE sectors to support residents to ‘live well’. It is part of a wider commitment to making Stockport a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.

Applications are now open, with grants of up to £25,000 per year available for eligible organisations. Collaborative bids are encouraged, and support is available from Sector 3 for those looking to apply.

For more information and to apply, visit the Sector3 website.

Alongside the fund’s launch, Sector3 and Stockport Council are also hosting an online Meet the Funder event on Friday 26th September to give potential applicants the opportunity to learn more about the fund and how to apply. To join the online event, book a free place via Eventbrite.