Purpose

The Youth Alliance has demonstrated its value as a trusted, borough wide network capable of convening youth and play providers and capturing youth led insight that is not routinely accessed through statutory engagement mechanisms. Through existing VRU supported activity, the Alliance has shown a strong ability to reach marginalised young people, amplify quieter voices, and provide meaningful feedback that informs local and strategic priorities. This makes it uniquely well placed to support the GMCA and Violence Reduction Unit in strengthening two way communication with frontline provision and young people.

The proposed investment is a time limited, proportionate intervention designed to formalise and strengthen the Alliance’s infrastructure so it can operate as a commission ready partner. By supporting targeted engagement activity, structured coordination, and strategic dialogue with GMCA and VRU leadership, the programme will improve the quality, consistency and representativeness of youth voice informing violence reduction work. This approach aligns with Greater Manchester’s public health model of prevention and supports the objectives of the Greater Than Violence Strategy by enabling earlier insight into emerging risks and needs.

The funding represents good value for money, builds on an existing partnership rather than duplicating provision, and carries low delivery and reputational risk. It enables the GMCA to test and learn from a scalable engagement model without committing to ongoing funding or future commissioning arrangements.

Decision

Approval is given to award a one off, time limited exemption to commission the Greater Manchester Youth Network to deliver the Youth Alliance Engagement and Insight Programme, with a total value of £10,000. This funding will support the formal development of the Youth Alliance as a structured, commission ready partner, enabling delivery of targeted youth engagement, insight gathering and borough wide coordination aligned to GMCA and Violence Reduction Unit priorities.