About VCAT

Voluntary & Community Action Trafford (VCAT) is the lead support and development agency for voluntary, community and faith groups in Trafford.

VCAT was established in 2000 by a steering group made up of representatives of local groups. Today, VCAT is a membership organisation that is governed by a board of directors elected from the organisations, groups and individuals working within the voluntary, community and faith sectors in Trafford.

VCAT supports voluntary and community action by:

Practical Support
VCAT offers advice on constitutions, memorandum and articles of association, charity law, funding and fundraising, business plans, service level agreements, and practical accounting administrative support to groups.

Development
VCAT works with new and existing organisations to provide services which address social needs, challenge inequality and promote the voluntary sector. VCAT also identifies gaps in the provision of services and works with other agencies to develop a new service or encourages an existing agency to extend its services.

Liaison
VCAT brings voluntary organisations together to discuss issues of common concern and to avoid duplication of effort. VCAT can also bring voluntary, statutory and other agencies together to encourage inter sector co-operation and community involvement in the delivery and planning of services, amenities and facilities.

Representation
VCAT seeks to representthe views of the voluntary sector when approriate and consults the sector to ensure valid representation at strategic and policy planning level within the statutory sector. VCAT aims to create and sustain opportunities for broader voluntary sector representation. VCAT provides information and support to enable and empower voluntary sector organisations to represent themselves.

For further information see our 2010/11 Annual Report and 2010/11 Accounts