New Civic Leadership Programme Launches to Develop the Next Generation of Community Leaders in Stockport
Applications now open for Stockport's Unheard Voices Civic Leadership Programme
A new leadership development programme is set to empower residents across Stockport with the skills, confidence and connections needed to influence local decisions and help shape the future of their communities.
The Unheard Voices Civic Leadership Programme, delivered by Sector 3 , Stockport's local charity infrastructure organisation, in partnership with Stockport Council and Stockport Race Equality Partnership is a fully funded 12-month programme designed to create opportunities for local people to step into leadership and representation roles across the borough.
The programme has been developed in response to calls for greater community and lived experience representation in leadership and decision-making. It aims to ensure that the insight, knowledge and experience that already exists within the voluntary & community sector is better represented where important decisions are made.
Unlike a traditional training course, the programme combines practical learning, mentoring, peer support and direct exposure to decision-making environments. Participants will develop a range of leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how local systems, partnerships and public services operate.
Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection at Stockport Council, said:
“So much of what makes Stockport special comes from people who give their time, energy and passion to support others. This programme is a chance for those people to build new skills, make new connections and make sure local voices are heard.
"There are already some brilliant people making a difference across Stockport, and I hope this programme helps even more people take that next step."
Victoria Shaw, Chief Operations Officer at Sector 3 says:
“We've worked with leaders in the VCFSE Sector and Stockport Council partners to create a programme that goes above and beyond previous leadership models, providing mentorship and real-life opportunities to learn and navigate the system.”
"Unheard Voices is more than a leadership programme. It's an investment in the people, communities and lived experiences that make Stockport what it is. By opening pathways into influence and decision-making, we're helping to reduce inequalities, strengthen community voices and create a borough where everyone can thrive and Live Well."
Building a More Inclusive Stockport
Applications are open to Stockport residents aged 18 and over who are:
Volunteers
Trustees
Employees within the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector
People with lived experience of inequality
Community champions and grassroots leaders
Residents who already play an active role in a Community Organisation
The programme is specifically aimed at people who are already making a difference in their communities and want to expand their influence, develop their leadership capabilities and contribute to shaping a fairer, more inclusive future for Stockport.
Voluntary and community organisations are encouraged to share the opportunity with their employees, volunteers, service users and local networks to help identify potential applicants. By promoting the programme through existing community connections, organisations can help ensure it reaches residents whose experience, commitment and local knowledge can contribute to stronger community representation.
Strengthening Community Leadership and the Voice of the VCFSE Sector
Participants will take part in a structured leadership journey covering areas including governance, public speaking, influencing skills, networking, community engagement and civic leadership. Each participant will also be matched with a senior mentor from across the public and voluntary sectors.
On completion, participants will have opportunities to represent the VCFSE sector on strategic boards and partnerships, contribute to consultations and system change programmes, and engage with leadership opportunities across Stockport and Greater Manchester, giving them a seat at the table.
By investing in local leaders, the programme will help strengthen the voice of residents, and the VCFSE sector, in decisions that affect everyday life and support the development of systems that are informed by lived experience, responsive to local needs and designed with communities, not just for them.
Supporting Residents to Live Well
The programme aligns with the ambitions of the One Stockport Borough Plan by helping to reduce inequalities and strengthen the role of communities in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.
When the people involved in shaping services, policies and priorities better reflect the everyday experiences of Stockport residents, decisions are more likely to respond to real needs, address inequalities and help everyone across the borough to Live Well.
Alongside developing individual leaders, the programme will strengthen the voice of Stockport's voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, ensuring that the experiences, insights and expertise held within communities play a greater role in shaping local change.
Applications Now Open
The programme runs from January 2027 to December 2027 and requires an average commitment of approximately half a day per week. Applications are now open for residents who are passionate about making a difference in their community and want to play a greater role in shaping local change.
Ends