Our approach

The Greater Manchester approach is shaped by seven guiding principles – focusing not just on what we do, but how we do it.

We do things differently. We always have.

Three young people stand in the sunshine in bright colourful clothes

People

We take a strengths-based and person-centred approach, lifting people up and harnessing their talent and resources and, where they need it, supporting them to live well.

Collaboration

We work together for the common good. We’ve learned that creating inclusive growth is a joint venture and in Greater Manchester every bit of the system plays its part at every level – from neighbourhood to region wide.

We work for the common good, believing inclusive growth succeeds through partnership. By connecting public, private, voluntary, academic, and community sectors, and involving residents’ voices, we enable collective leadership and bold progress. Rather than competing, we unite, building and sustaining relationships that allow us to respond as one system to challenges and pursue long-term reform. Power and accountability are shared across all levels, with constructive challenge and shared responsibility deeply embedded.

We tackle three core inequalities: spatial (between places), demographic (between groups), and socio-economic (access, resources, power). Our work increases equity, equality, and inclusion. Equity means ensuring opportunity for all – exemplified by our co-produced Race Equity Framework. Equality is championed by Inclusion Panels, reverse mentoring, and efforts to diversify public sector leadership. Inclusion is celebrated through events such as Black History Month, Pride, and research into ageing and loneliness. Our spatial and economic plans target support to those most in need.

All progress is tracked with clear metrics, and policy changes are assessed for equality impacts, overseen by our Tackling Inequalities Board.

We take a strengths-based, person-centred approach, empowering people and supporting them to thrive. We strive to prevent issues before they escalate, giving residents agency and a say in shaping services. Listening and involving communities builds trust, allowing us to tailor support and foster thriving neighbourhoods. Feedback guides our direction and ensures our approach benefits all.

We plan for the long term, weighing how today’s decisions affect future generations’ wellbeing. Policies are tested with an intergenerational lens, using data and technology to model future impacts, reduce bias, and ensure sustainable progress.

Place

Through our ten councils and our diverse networks of partners, we are deeply engaged with our towns and cities.

Resources

It has never been more important to make the best of all our resources – financial, physical and those of our people.

Our ten councils and partners are deeply embedded in local communities. We prioritise locality-led plans, sharing power through a unique bottom-up governance model. Multi-agency teams work at the community level, and our region builds strong relationships nationally and globally to share learning and drive improvement.

Sound decisions rely on robust evidence and up-to-date data. Our strategy evolves through major reviews, regular resident engagement and feedback, and input from equality and inclusion panels. We continuously improve services using digital technology, and policies are shaped by both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Value for money is essential. We continually innovate to improve how we use financial, physical, and human resources—ensuring investments deliver maximum benefit and social value. Evaluation is built into everything we do, tracking both productivity and lived experience to ensure Greater Manchester remains a place where everyone can thrive.