Greater Manchester universities set out new civic priorities to help boost jobs

Greater Manchester universities have agreed a refreshed set of civic priorities aimed at improving lives across the city-region. 

The universities set out four main areas where they believe they can make the biggest difference: opportunity and prosperity, health and wellbeing, culture, and environment.

The priorities were shaped with input from the Greater Manchester citizens’ panel and focus on widening access to education, supporting lifelong learning, encouraging innovation and helping people into good jobs. 

Training future healthcare professionals, supporting mental health, tackling inequalities and promoting prevention are also included. 

Celebrating Greater Manchester’s cultural life, making the arts accessible, nurturing creative talent and supporting the region’s journey to net zero are further priorities set out by the universities.

Greater Manchester universities currently contribute over £4bn to the local economy each year, educate more than 100,000 students, and host millions of residents at public events. 

Between 2022 and 2027, the universities are expected to train around 9,500 nurses, 3,500 doctors, and 8,500 teachers.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester’s universities make a massive contribution to our city region, one that goes far beyond educating students.