Published: Tuesday, 11th January 2022
Oldham Council has appointed Cllr Colin McLaren as VCSE Ambassador, to further improve the working relationship between the Council and the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector.
Cllr McLaren, who is Chair of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Pennine Acute NHS Trust and Vice Chair of the Joint Mental Health Overview and Scrutiny Management Board for Pennine Care NHS Trust, will be responsible for the delivery of the recommendations agreed by the Council in the Greater Manchester voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) Accord.
Greater Manchester leaders in local government, health and the VCSE sector signed the Accord in September last year, with the aim of working together to tackle inequalities.
Cllr McLaren said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to this role. Having spent 40 years supporting the voluntary sector, I will be glad to use this experience in strengthening the existing relationship between the council and our borough's voluntary groups.
“One of my priorities will be addressing poverty and related issues across Oldham and working with associated groups to tackle the issues affecting them.
“This role will be a huge challenge, but one that I’m looking forward to.”
Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Equalities, Inclusion and Cohesion Lead, added: "Having been so closely involved with the voluntary sector here in Oldham for decades, Colin is the ideal person to take on this really important role.
"Our voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations are a crucial and trusted partner in our shared ambition to tackle inequalities.
"I look forward to working closely with Colin, and the VCSE sector across Oldham, to ensure that together we are able to provide the very best help and support to those people who need it the most."
More details about the GM VCSE Accord, can be found at https://vcseleadershipgm.org.uk/