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 Macc 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 Macc 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
Macc 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: www.gmopn.org.uk
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 Macc’s Older People’s Team and key organisations and policy and strategy makers across Greater Manchester.
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.
You need to be willing and able to travel around Manchester - though driving ability is not essential as we encourage use of public transport and ’active travel’ (such as walking or cycling).
How to apply
If you believe you can fulfil the role and our values sound like something you would want to support, we’d love to hear from you!
On our website is a 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 GDPR statement which we ask you to confirm you have read. Applications can be emailed to pauline@macc.org.uk
The closing date for applications is: 10 March 2025 at 12 noon
Interview date is: Monday 24 March, 2025 – all day
For an informal conversation regarding this post, please contact Pauline Clark before submitting your application. Email: pauline@macc.org.uk or telephone 0161 834 9823.
Macc is passionate about ensuring that everyone has a fair chance and that they are treated equally. We are aware of the underrepresentation of certain groups and communities in our sector. These include but are not limited to, people from racialised or minoritised backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ and those from working-class backgrounds. We want to change this and commit to playing our part in eradicating inequalities in both what we do and the way we do it.
Macc is an inclusive employer committed to building a diverse, effective workforce which reflects our local communities. We work hard to create a supportive, accessible environment. We celebrate difference, and welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds, skills and abilities, recognising value in different perspectives.
If you require access to these documents in alternative formats, or if you have comments that would support us to improve access to our application processes more generally, please do contact us via email pauline@macc.org.uk or telephone us on 0161 834 9823.
- We operate through flexible working and home working: we have office space in the city centre but our approach balances personal choice, building teamwork and the needs of the people and groups we work with.
- All staff have Personal Development Plans and a budget to cover the costs of external training and/or personal development activities.
- Our Staff Health and Wellbeing Group: leads on ensuring we have a culture which supports the health and wellbeing of everyone at Macc. This includes “re-energise afternoons” taking time out to recharge and refresh; Mental Aid First Aid confidential support for staff who are struggling and a range of social and team activities throughout the year.
- Volunteering leave: staff are entitled to up to 2 days per year (pro rata), with pay, to engage in voluntary work - just as we ask other businesses to do.
- We encourage active travel and have incentives such as a support in buying public transport season tickets, a Cycle to Work scheme and travel expenses for cyclists.
- We have been an accredited Real Living Wage employer since 2013.
£27,291 (pro rata if reduced hours)
