The AGMA Statutory Functions Committee was scheduled to consider updates on the Greater Manchester County Record Office and Archives and Local Studies Partnership, as well as the annual impact report for the Forever Manchester, Greater Manchester Relief Fund. The meeting was also scheduled to address administrative matters including the appointment of a Chair and the noting of committee membership and terms of reference.

Greater Manchester County Record Office and Greater Manchester Archives and Local Studies Partnership

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation from Alison Gill, Heritage Archives Manager for Manchester City Council and the GM County Record Office, regarding the progress of the Greater Manchester Archives and Local Studies Partnership (GMALSP) and the Archives+ initiative. This presentation was to be supplemented by input from the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) on their current project, which is being delivered in partnership with the archive services of all ten Greater Manchester Local Authorities.

The report pack detailed the ongoing work of the GMALSP, highlighting efforts in digital preservation, including the use of Travelling Digital Preservation Kits and the development of a Greater Manchester Digital Preservation Policy. It also outlined progress in sound archives, with the acquisition of significant collections and plans for improving access to digitised sound recordings. The report noted the ongoing priority to increase the diversity of archive collections to better reflect the region's current populations, despite previous unsuccessful funding bids for this purpose. Preservation and conservation efforts were also detailed, with a Conservation Officer providing advice and training to all ten Local Authorities.

The report also provided an update on the Archives+ partnership, which is based at Manchester Central Library. This partnership includes Manchester City Council Libraries and Archives, the Greater Manchester County Record Office, the North West Film Archive, the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre and Trust, the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society, and Manchester Histories. The report highlighted the success of Archives+ in engaging the public, with over 1.4 million visitors to the library in the last 12 months. It detailed various exhibitions and events held, including those commemorating Manchester Civic Week and showcasing the Piccadilly Radio archives, the George House Trust, and the Lipservice Theatre company. The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre and Education Trust's work with Global Majority histories and young people was also mentioned, alongside the North West Film Archive's initiatives to improve access for disabled and neurodivergent users, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society's ongoing work in preserving and publishing unpublished records was also outlined.

Future priorities for the GMALSP were scheduled to include a continued focus on diversity and inclusion in collecting, developing a Digital by Design approach, enhancing digital preservation, and engaging in advocacy and events. For Archives+, future plans were to involve widening access to archives through popular projects, maintaining exhibition facilities, and supporting external heritage projects.

Forever Manchester, Greater Manchester Relief Fund Annual Impact Report 2025-26

The committee was scheduled to note the annual impact report for the Forever Manchester, Greater Manchester Relief Fund. The report detailed the fund's purpose, financial position, and grant awards. It explained that the Greater Manchester Disaster Relief Fund (GMDRF) was transferred to Forever Manchester in April 2009. A significant portion of the transferred funds was invested, with the returns contributing to a sustainable funding stream. The report indicated that the fund's balance of distribution funds in the bank account at 31st March 2026 was £103,789. However, the report stated that no awards were made through the GMDRF in the 2025-2026 financial year. The report also included guidelines for the fund, outlining its purpose to provide monetary support for immediate financial need as a result of a disaster or emergency within Greater Manchester.

Administrative Matters

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the appointment of a Chair for the 2026/27 municipal year. Members were also scheduled to note the membership of the AGMA Statutory Functions Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year and to review the committee's Terms of Reference for the same period. A reminder about members' obligations under the GMCA Member's Code of Conduct and the requirement to complete an annual declaration of interest form was also on the agenda. The minutes of the last meeting, held on 27 January 2026, were scheduled for approval.