The North Manchester Social Benefits Framework – borne out of the ground breaking regeneration projects at Victoria North and North Manchester General Hospital – has been refreshed.
The Framework is the product of a partnership between Manchester City Council, FEC UK and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, alongside a range of other multi-agency, cross sector collaborators.
It’s aim – to support local people to access employment as well as skills training for future work.
The vision for a North Manchester Social Benefits Framework was first developed in 2021 with a view to harnessing the potential positive impact of some of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration programmes – representing £6bn of investment – to make sure north Manchester people are able to share in the success of these projects.
The first of its kind in the UK, the Framework is developing a world-renowned way of working, bring multiple partners representing a range of disciplines together – from construction to health and the voluntary sector – to link Manchester’s communities to quality jobs.
The framework takes a hyper local approach to social value, truly understanding the needs of the communities it is serving – including demographics and liaising with community advocates – forging pathways for north Manchester people to develop skills.
The framework also acts as a guide for contractors and businesses who can create opportunities for local employment and, through the partnership a plan was set out for the Council to lead a brokerage panel, connecting into the voluntary community sector.
Recognised as a unique approach to social value, the framework has already generated:
- £30m social value generated
- 4,911 jobs created, supported or sustained
- 100% of employees paid the Real Living Wage
- 12% of all jobs filled by north Manchester residents – an increase from 2% in 2021-22
- 172 apprentices to date have been employed
- 5,213 students have been supported through careers activity
- 4,620 hours of volunteering work accrued
- Highlighted as a programme of best practice by the World Economic Forum
The 2025 Framework has five themes: Education, Skills, and Employment; Health and Wellbeing; Community Resilience; Digital; Environmental.
And to maximise delivery against the Framework outcomes, several core supporting initiatives have been designed:
- The North Manchester Social Benefits Brokerage Service has been set up to match organisations that need social value support (“asks”) with those that might be able to provide it (“offers”).
- The North Manchester Contractors Guide is a practical resource showcasing a wide range of examples of local organisations, community groups, and projects and initiatives that the contractor can get involved in and support as part of their social value offer.
- The North Manchester Social Value Network provides a space for collaboration between contractors working on separate contracts. It allows contractors to share best practice, celebrate successes and plan collaborative social value activity across the north Manchester geography.
The novel approach has been developed in collaboration between Manchester City Council, FEC UK, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust – with additional input from Homes England and Winning Hearts and Minds.
Although the current framework focuses on north Manchester in response to the major investment programmes in this part of the city, in time, this approach can be lifted and repurposed in other parts of the city, supporting residents into employment and creating opportunities for Manchester people to share in the economic growth of their city.
Find out more about the North Manchester Social Benefits Framework
CASE STUDIES
Thomas Davies – Collyhurst Skills Centre Graduate and local resident
I was on benefits where I was getting 630 pounds a month as a single parent.
My wage for today has just come through and it’s £1130 for just one week, which is a giant difference, it’s massive.
It’s made a massive difference to my life and my child’s life and everything and I can’t thank the skills people enough for supporting me through this.
It’s been absolutely brilliant.
Jay Cooper –Collyhurst Skills Centre Graduate and local resident
I got introduced to the Community Construction Skills Center in Collyhurst because, I was I was down bad. I had a bit of a poor upbringing – but then found my ground, found this lot and they’ve helped me out.
They’ve given me all my construction awards, helped with my confidence, my skills.
They’ve made me feel like there’s something worth going for, you know, in the future.
So, yeah, I’m really thankful to them all here. I hope to I hope to see a brighter future.
Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:
“North Manchester is about to see unprecedented levels or investment from nationally significant projects like Victoria North, new homes, investments in high streets and the £1.5bn into North Manchester General Hospital. Our priority is getting the most out of this once in a lifetime opportunity for local people.
“Social Value is about making investment go further and using regeneration in our city to create a much wider impact – creating jobs and opportunities for our residents to upskill, and to invest in neighbourhood projects that create tangible pride in our places.
“In Collyhurst, working in partnership with FEC UK we have created the Construction Skills Centre that has been helping local people into great jobs that have changed lives, bringing a steady income and genuine fulfilment. But this space has also been a place of community, bringing like-minded people together, creating a renewed sense of belonging that creates lasting, successful neighbourhoods.
“This Framework is about long-term investment in our people – as it is people, not buildings that create cities. We have been building this programme for four years and we have seen fantastic results. We want to keep building on this and take this model to other parts of our city so as many of our residents as possible can share in Manchester’s success.”
Rebecca Kirkland, Head of Social Value at FEC UK, said:
“Our plans for the future of Victoria North are ambitious – and they need to be if we’re to deliver lasting benefits for the people of north Manchester. Achieving this means working hand in hand with local residents, organisations and businesses to create meaningful, long-term opportunities for the community.
“That’s how the Framework was developed – informed by real-world experience and shaped by the voices of local people. Since then, we’ve continued to collaborate with partners to drive development and ensure the communities we serve are fully involved in shaping their future.”
Michelle Humphreys, Director of Strategic Projects at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Social value sits at the heart of the North Manchester Redevelopment Programme. More than a hospital rebuild, it is about creating an environment that supports good health – including new green spaces, training facilities and local job opportunities. Working with Manchester City Council, local businesses and community groups, the programme is already delivering lasting benefits for our communities. Local people have gained jobs, apprenticeships and skills through the on-site Knowledge Quad, supporting stronger, healthier communities for the future.”
