|
Social Value is one of the ways the Council gets more for the people of Manchester. Every time we buy goods and services, we make sure that this also strengthens our communities, supports our local economy, and moves us towards becoming a zero‑carbon city.
This newsletter will update you on our social value work, highlight good practice, and share opportunities to collaborate. In this issue, we focus on some practical ways your organisation could get involved and we take a closer look at the new Manchester City Council Social Value Toolkit.
Social Value Spotlight
Manchester City Council Social Value and Zero Carbon Toolkits
Manchester City Council manages around 1,000 contracts each year – working with organisations that range from small local businesses to voluntary sector providers and large international corporations. Some of our suppliers have dedicated social value teams and strategies, whereas others may be writing a social value section of a bid for the first time...
To support all suppliers to write strong bids and deliver meaningful social value commitments, our Procurement Team has created a new Social Value and Zero Carbon Toolkit.
This toolkit introduces our social value and zero carbon priorities for Manchester, explains how they fit in our tendering processes, and signposts suppliers to existing programmes and partners in the city that can offer additional support.
|
The toolkit also includes practical examples of tender questions and Key Performance Indicators. The guidance may be most applicable to larger contracts, but there is a section for smaller suppliers and voluntary sector providers too.
In addition to the Supplier Toolkits, we have launched complimentary staff toolkits and training to support commissioners and contract managers to drive social value at Manchester City Council. We want to keep evolving these resources to reflect new needs and changes in the city, so please let us know if you have any feedback: contractsandcommissioning@manchester.gov.uk
|
Opportunities to collaborate
Could you provide a life-changing internship for a young person with special needs?
The Manchester City Council Supported Internship Programme provides 4-6 week work placements, job coaching, and independent living skills for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We have a cohort of 30 committed young people who are looking for their next placement. They are interested in a range of roles from administration to construction and hospitality – and much more!
Please get in touch if you might be able to provide a placement, support is available along the way and we often hear how enjoyable and productive the internship was for the employer too: narinder.harvey@manchester.gov.uk
Did you know that Manchester City Council has an outdoor education centre in the heart of the Lake District National Park?
Ghyll Head has been working with Manchester’s young people for over 50 years – fostering wellbeing and inspiration through education, outdoor adventurous activities, and a connection to nature. Ghyll Head are looking to build partnerships with Manchester-based organisatons so they can bring more young Mancunians to the Lake District.
They offer residential corporate volunteering and team building opportunities too, please get in touch for more information: ghyllhead@gll.org
Countering digital exclusion through Manchester Community Post
Drawing Board Productions are a local CIC and publisher who enable all residents to access trusted information through free, community-led newspapers. They reach people who are digitally excluded and tackle social isolation by connecting local organisations and businesses with local people. They can do targeted campaigns if you are trying to engage with certain communities, such as the Age Friendly Manchester publication they circulate for Manchester City Council.
Post Community Newspapers
Become a parks volunteer
Manchester City Council looks after 144 parks, and we couldn’t do this without a fantastic network of volunteers. We have a new volunteering offer for groups who want to spend time with a park ranger - helping to conserve natural habitats and keep our parks accessible and exciting for all communities. This is a great way of making use of staff volunteer days or could become part of your organisations social value contribution.
Get in touch to find out more: parks@manchester.gov.uk
Something to celebrate
The Victoria North Regeneration is continuing to deliver impactful social value in the local area. Across the site, over 5,000 new jobs have been created – and everyone is paid at least the Real Living Wage. 35% of the roles have been filled by people living in North Manchester and the recently opened Collyhurst Construction Skills Centre is making sure that local people benefit from the opportunities this regeneration is providing. North Manchester Social Value
The Victoria North Regeneration has an active partnership, and we want to cast our net further and include wider contractors, businesses, and community groups that are also based in North Manchester. Please join this growing network by following their new partnership page on LinkedIn. This group is a collaborative space where organisations can connect, share best practice, celebrate successes, and plan for new social value activity.
We Love Manchester is Manchester City Council’s flagship charity. They empower positive change for young people and disadvantaged communities in the city. They have recently published their 2025 impact report; shining a light on the individuals and community groups whose resilience and creativity inspire everything they do. is Manchester City Council’s flagship charity. They empower positive change for young people and disadvantaged communities in the city. They have recently published their 2025 impact report; shining a light on the individuals and community groups whose resilience and creativity inspire everything they do. 2025 Impact Report
Thank you for reading!
For more information on Manchester’s Social Value work, please visit our website:
|
