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Hello, and welcome back to our monthly newsletter.
We're kicking off May with big news: the launch of our Digital Strategy Delivery Plan for 2026! You may notice that our Delivery Plan for this year looks slightly different tis year, with the introduction of new priority groupings sitting alongside our four key themes. These groupings will help us to offer a clearer picture of the Strategy's delivery in practice and our ambitions for the year ahead. Scroll down to explore the full plan and discover what you can expect to see from us over the next twelve months!
We've also been shining a light on our Digital Inclusion team's refreshed Digital Inclusion Action Plan. Outlining the interventions the #LetsGetDigital team campaign will deliver over the next twelve months, the DIAP offers a transparent, practical framework to promote collaboration and accountability. Alongside setting out practical actions to close Manchester's digital divide, the DIAP also celebrate the successes our Digital Inclusion team have achieved on behalf of communities and residents across the city. If you're interested in learning more about the work the team is doing to make Manchester more digitally equal, make sure to explore the full plan on the Digital Strategy website.
You might have also spotted us out and about this month! At Manchester's Digital Transformation Expo, our Digital Strategy Lead, Sherelle Fairweather, facilitated a thought-provoking discussion on working - and leading - multi-generational teams. Panellists shared insights on the ways different perspectives, experiences and ways of working can strengthen teams when they're understood and valued, and where differences can be more challenging to navigate. Our Digital Strategy Officer, Becky McMillan, also shared learnings from the People's Panel for AI at the National Lottery Community Fund's AI Funders Conference, exploring the role of AI and grant making in building a better society.
In this month's newsletter, we're also sharing our new Resilient AI Adoption report; reflecting on learnings from Belgium on digital inclusion; Westminster for the Digital Communities APPG Roundtable; and highlighting networking opportunities for members of the LGBTQ+ community working in innovation.
Happy reading, and see you next month!
It's been an exciting start to the month as we launched our Digital Strategy Delivery Plan for 2026.
Our annual delivery plan sets out the projects we'll be working on overt he next twelve months and the outcomes we’re determined to achieve for business, organisations and communities in Manchester. With 34 projects already underway, it's shaping up to be a busy year!
If you're curious to find out more about our plans for the year ahead - and discover the values underpinning our work - we’d love you to join the conversation. Explore the full Delivery Plan by heading over to the link below.
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This month, we've been excited to launch the Resilient AI Adoption in Greater Manchester report, commissioned by Manchester City Council and developed by Dr Richard Whittle, Professor of AI and Public Policy at Salford University.
The evidence-based report offers an overview of the city's existing AI ecosystem and recommendations to drive inclusive and responsible growth.
Jointly addressed to Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the region’s universities, the report identifies three key risks for policy attention and sets out ten strategic recommendations to drive inclusive, socially responsible growth.
If you’re curious to understand how we can take action to ensure that Manchester's AI ecosystem benefits all our communities, explore the full report on our Digital Strategy website.
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This month, we were delighted to join Greater Manchester Combined Authority in welcoming a delegation from Belgium to share learning on digital inclusion.
Our Digital Strategy Lead Sherelle Fairweather and Senior Digital Strategy Officer Sam Milsom shared learnings, insights and challenges from Manchester's approach to tackling the city's digital divide.
Without taking action to embed digital inclusion into the infrastructure of public life, millions of people risk being left behind by advances in technology.
The visit offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, share different approaches, tackle common challenges and learn from our international partners. We left the day feeling inspired by the incredible initiatives shaping a more digitally inclusive society, and excited to continue our work supporting more people in Manchester benefit from the opportunities of the digital world.
A huge thank you to GMCA for inviting us to play a part in the day!
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 She Scales Launch
NatWest Accelerator has launched an exciting new monthly event dedicated to female founder co-working.
The She Scales series creates space for female founders to connect with peers who understand the opportunities and challenges faced by women in business. Each session is designed to help founders strengthen their sense of community, expand their network, and gain insight from lived experience.
Expect a relaxed start with coffee and informal introductions, followed by founder-led sessions to share real-world learnings. Attendees will also be invited to stay in the hub for optional co-working, creating opportunities to build connections, continue conversations, and enjoy a productive, support working environment.
If you're interested in getting involved, future session themes will include:
- 18th June – Female Funding & bridging the gap
- 14th July – Tik Tok live masterclass
To register for your free place, sign up for the events on the NatWest Accelerator App or head over the Eventbrite page below. Places are filling up fast, so make sure to sign up for your ticket before it's too late!
Global AI Cities Arrives in Manchester
In collaboration with the Global Government Forum, Greater Manchester Combined Authority is hosting a new international event to unlock new models of people-first AI transformation.
The two-day event will bring together city and local government leaders from around the world to share insights on developing more inclusive and responsible approaches to AI.
The conference will kick off with a high-level, strategic forum for senior digital leaders on Tuesday 16th June, followed by an open conference on Wednesday 17th June for all public servants. Focusing on how AI could accelerate the transformation of local services and deliver inclusive growth, the open conference will feature inspiring keynotes, real-word case studies and engaging panel discussions.
Learn more about the event or register for your place by heading over to the Global AI Cities website below.
Critical AI Literacies: Roundtable Discussion & Exhibition
As part of the Festival of Libraries, Chorlton Library will host a roundtable discussion and exhibition exploring the political, social and cultural impacts of AI and digital technology.
Facilitated by MMU’s Digital Society (DISC) research group, the session will focus on the risks and responsibilities that come with adopting AI tools into education; new challenges that come with automating major political and business decisions; the impact of AI on creativity; its environmental impact, and much, much more.
The roundtable discussion will take place on the 11th June, and the exhibition will be on display from the 10th - 12th June. Reserve your space by signing up via he link below.
Innovation Mixer: LGBTQ+ Networking
Join Unit M for a relaxed social mixer bringing together LGBTQ+ innovators and professionals from a wide range of industries across Greater Manchester. Whether you work in start-ups, corporate, academia, creative industries, investment, tech, community-building, or simply want to make some new professional connections, you’re very welcome to join!
The event will take place on the 27th May from 4-6pm at Manchester's LGBTQ+ Community Centre, The Proud Place. Expect low pressure networking activities, friendly conversations and new connections, and a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ professionals.
Interested? Sign up using the form below!
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Digital Inclusion Good News
Digital Inclusion Co-Ordinator Emily and Digital Inclusion Officer Georgie visited Gorton Central Manchester Adult Education Service this week alongside Manchester Adult Education Service to deliver 15 tablets to older residents of Manchester.
The team provided assistance setting up the devices for their own personal use, helping residents to get online and discover new ways of accessing healthcare, education opportunities, and essential services.
The tablets were funded by the Making Manchester Fairer project, which aims to reduce barriers to device availability for Manchester residents.
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 Every month, we'll be sharing updates, news, and opportunities from the Digital Strategy Team, our partners, and the wider digital ecosystem. Whether you're interested in collaborating, have questions, or simply want to learn more about our ambitious vision for Manchester's digital future, we'd love to hear from you!
Find out about the different ways you can reach us below:
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