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Hello, and welcome back to our monthly newsletter.
So far, June has been a month filled with exciting plans - with plenty more yet to come!
This week, we're looking forward to our Good AI Ecosystem event on Tuesday 16th June. Hosted by NatWest Accelerator, we've been working with partners including the University of Salford, MMU, Nexer, techUK and Manchester City Council to bring this evening of discussion and debate to life! Inspired by Oxford-style debates, we'll be bringing together a range of different perspectives to explore what a 'good' AI city looks like in practice. If you're already planning on joining us, expect thoughtful conversations tackling some of the often-overlooked questions around AI adoption - including the real-world impact on our city, people and planet. Thoughts on how AI is influencing the places we live and work and keen to be part of the conversation? Grab some last-minute tickets over on our Eventbrite - we'd love to see you there!
We're also thrilled to be involved in GMCA's Global AI Cities 2026 event - taking place the next day. The global conference will bring together city officials, policymakers, innovators and partners interested in exploring how AI is transforming urban services. Our Senior Digital Strategy Officer, Sam Milsom, will be sharing his views on how cities can put transparency, fairness, and accountability at the heart of AI programmes. Catch Sam in conversation with inspiring leaders from across the globe during the Boosting citizen and officer trust in AI to scale what works panel - or check out the full agenda on the Global AI Cities website.
This month, we've also welcomed Melissa Giusti as our new Senior Digital Strategy Officer. Melissa will be looking after much of our work around 'smart' cities, helping to ensure digital technologies are used to build more sustainable and democratic places. If you've got an interest in these areas of the Strategy, make sure to say hello over on our LinkedIn.
In this month's newsletter, we're also sharing the new Where Are All the Black Women in Tech report; reflecting on learnings from our Digital Ethics Unconference; and sharing an exciting opportunity to help us capture what digital really looks like in Manchester.
Happy reading, and see you next month!
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Over the last three years, we've partnered with Manchester Digital and Beetroot Consulting to explore the structural conditions shaping Black women’s experiences in the tech sector.
The Where Are All the Black Women in Tech research report brings brings together data, insight and lived experience to surface the organisational factors influencing participation and progression.
Findings from the report underline the need for structural change that ensures systems support Black women to join, participate, and progress in Greater Manchester’s tech ecosystem, while emphasising the role organisations play in shaping those conditions.
Read and share the report to join us in reshaping the systems that determine who is heard, supported, and empowered to ensure that Manchester's tech community works for all those within it.
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We're looking for talented local photographers to help us tell the story of what 'digital' really looks like in Manchester.
You'll capture vibrant, narrative-driven images that connect people with the role digital plays in their everyday lives. Your work will be used to support a wide range of communications activity across different platforms, campaigns and promotional material.
We’re looking for photography that is:
- Warm and vibrant, capturing the human stories behind digital and technology.
- Authentic and rooted in real life, showcasing the different ways that digital is experienced across the city.
- Inclusive and representative, reflecting Manchester’s unique identity, character and diversity.
If you’re passionate about people, place, and storytelling through photography, we’d love to hear from you!
For more details - or to submit your application - e-mail us at manchesterdigitalstrategy@manchester.gov.uk, answering the questions outlined in the brief.
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What does responsible AI look like in practice?
Our Digital Ethics Unconference, developed in partnership with techUK and KPMG, brought together responsible AI professionals from across the city for an open-ended exploration of ethical AI. Kindly hosted by KPMG at their offices in St. Peter's Square, the session offered a welcoming space to share ideas, tackle challenges and spark collaboration.
Unlike traditional conferences or workshops, the unconference format means there is no predetermined agenda. Attendees propose topics and vote for the discussions they most want to have, shaping the programme for the day.
Our Senior Digital Strategy Officer Sam Milsom opened the session with an introduction to Manchester's Digital Strategy. Focusing on responsible tech and the ethical use of AI, Sam encouraged participants move beyond abstract or theoretical thinking to consider what ethical AI looks like in a real city, for real people.
Discussions ranged from foundational questions about what AI actually is, through to the practical challenges of building a responsible and ethical AI stack within a business.
It was brilliant to hear so many honest, grounded conversations about some of the most pressing digital ethics issues facing us today. We're excited to see how these discussion will continue to develop - and how we can work together to drive more responsible approaches to AI that work for everyone in our city.
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 AI Creative Industries Plan
The UK government has published its AI Adoption Plan for the Creative Industries, advocating for a practical, trusted and sector-specific approach to AI adoption.
The report proposes an "augmentation-first" approach, where AI supports rather than displaces human creativity. It outlines key challenges and opportunities, before setting out eight practical recommendations to reinforce the UK's leadership in creative innovation.
These include developing a responsible AI framework for the creative industries supported by trusted guidance, standards and tools; improving practical AI knowledge and building internal capacity; reducing cost barriers; and expanding support for SMEs and freelancers.
The overall aim is to ensure that AI adoption is responsible, ethical and well-governed, helping to shape a future where new technology enhances human creativity.
Greater Manchester Cyber Essentials Lab
DiSH Manchester is launching the Cyber Essentials Lab – a free workshop designed to help charities and social enterprises improve their cyber resilience.
This free workshop marks the first collaboration between partners from academia, industry, government, and the voluntary sector to support Greater Manchester organisations with practical and accessible cyber security guidance.
The workshop will help organisations understand common cyber risks, improve cyber awareness, and explore readiness for Cyber Essentials.
The event will take place on 18th June 2026 at DiSH Manchester, from 15:00 – 18:00.
After the workshop, participating organisations will be matched with a volunteer from DiSH’s Cyber Security Community Volunteer Network for a free one-hour follow-up support session (online or in person).
Cyber security shouldn't only be available to organisations with big budgets and dedicated teams. Every organisation making a difference in our communities deserves access to support.
Digging into the Index of Multiple Deprivation Event
The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), released last year, gives a picture of relative deprivation across 33,755 neighbourhood areas in England.
The dataset forms part of the evidence base for billions of pounds of public and private investment expenditure, informing decision-making across education, healthcare, insurance and commercial development.
LCR Data Community of Practice are holding an online event to promote understanding of the data, taking place on Wednesday 24th June from 13:00 - 15:00. Bringing together domain experts and data practitioners, the event will dig into the rationale, methodology and understanding of the IMD.
The meeting will be a mixture of presentation, showcase and discussion - so bring plenty of questions!
Find out more or register for your place below.
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Digital Inclusion Good News
The Digital Inclusion team has been lucky to receive a number of Microsoft Surface Go 2 devices for donation to residents and organisations in Manchester from our refurbishment partner, Community Computers.
So far, they've gifted 14 devices to residents who are now able to access educational resources and apply for jobs, and organisations who are able to use these devices within their centres to better support their residents.
Thank you to Community Computers for providing the devices - they make a massive difference to those who receive them!
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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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