The North Manchester Social Benefits Framework—initially inspired by the transformative regeneration efforts at Victoria North and North Manchester General Hospital—has been updated through a collaborative effort led by Manchester City Council, FEC UK, and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, alongside a broad coalition of cross-sector partners.
This pioneering framework is designed to help residents access employment opportunities and gain the skills needed for future careers. First launched in 2021, its vision was to ensure that the £6 billion investment in North Manchester’s regeneration directly benefits the people who live there.
As the first initiative of its kind in the UK, the Framework is setting a global standard for inclusive development. It brings together partners from construction, healthcare, and the voluntary sector to connect communities with high-quality jobs. Its hyper-local approach ensures that the unique needs of North Manchester’s diverse population are understood and addressed—working closely with community advocates to create meaningful pathways into employment and training.
The Framework also serves as a guide for contractors and businesses, helping them create local job opportunities. A key component is the Council-led brokerage panel, which links employers with the voluntary and community sector to facilitate recruitment and engagement.
Impact to Date:
- £30 million in social value generated
- 4,911 jobs created, supported, or sustained
- 100% of employees paid the Real Living Wage
- 12% of jobs filled by North Manchester residents (up from 2% in 2021–22)
- 172 apprentices employed
- 5,213 students supported through career activities
- 4,620 hours of volunteering contributed
- Recognised by the World Economic Forum as a best practice programme
2025 Framework Themes:
- Education, Skills, and Employment
- Health and Wellbeing
- Community Resilience
- Digital Inclusion
- Environmental Sustainability
Supporting Initiatives:
- North Manchester Social Benefits Brokerage Service: Matches organisations seeking social value support with those able to provide it.
- North Manchester Contractors Guide: A practical resource showcasing local groups and initiatives that contractors can support.
- North Manchester Social Value Network: A collaborative space for contractors to share best practices and coordinate social value activities across the region.
This innovative approach has been shaped by Manchester City Council, FEC UK, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, with contributions from Homes England and Winning Hearts and Minds.
While the current focus is on North Manchester, the Framework is designed to be scalable, offering a blueprint that can be adapted to other parts of the city and ensuring that all Manchester residents have the opportunity to benefit from economic growth and regeneration.
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.”
Image credits: Manchester City Council
