Reports & Research
Since launching the Greater Manchester Civic University Agreement in 2021, our five universities have been working together with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to support the city region and its people through long-term civic collaboration.
This page brings together our latest impact reports, including the most recent 2026 Annual Report, which sets out how our partnership is contributing to the Greater Manchester Strategy's ten-year vision, from graduate retention and green skills to student voice, community engagement and inclusive growth.
You’ll also find previous reports and background documents that chart the progress of our Civic Agreement over time – from the early polling work that helped identify public priorities, to the first formal report setting out future ambitions, and our follow-up publication capturing year two developments. Together, these resources provide a detailed picture of how our collective efforts are evolving to meet the changing needs of Greater Manchester.
Whether you're a policymaker, educator, student, community leader or resident, we hope these reports offer insight into how our universities are listening, collaborating, and taking action for the benefit of the region we all call home.
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Pathways for Growth & Prosperity: A Blueprint for Skills Development in Greater Manchester, launched 15 July 2026, reflects Greater Manchester’s commitment to working collaboratively across education, industry, and system partners to improve learner pathways and support economic growth. For the first time, post-16 education supply and employer demand data have been brought together at a Greater Manchester level, providing a clearer, evidence-based view of how skills provision aligns with labour market needs.
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This year's report highlights how Greater Manchester's universities are delivering on the region's ten-year vision through collaboration, graduate talent and civic partnership.
Highlights:
40% of graduates remain in Greater Manchester after their degree, contributing 2,275 graduates to the GM workforce annually and 49% of the region's total graduate workforce
Over 83 million people engaged through public events, performances and exhibitions
447,593 learner days of Continuing Professional Development delivered to employers and communities
Refreshed civic priorities launched at the RNCM, the first update to the agreement since 2021, shaped by residents through the Greater Manchester Citizens' Panel
Five graduate stories shared with the Manchester Evening News, showing the civic mission in practice across health, music and community work
GM Post-16 Skills Pathways project reporting this July, building on a year of work to strengthen routes between education and employment
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Our 2025 report highlights how Greater Manchester’s universities are scaling up their civic efforts through collaboration, innovation, and community voice.
Highlights:
Over 83m people engaged through public events, exhibitions and performances
371,502 learner days of professional development delivered to employers and communities
600+ SMEs supported through digital innovation initiatives
Cross-university Green Careers Mission showcased at the GM Green Summit
Stronger partnerships with GM Colleges and the Greater Manchester Student Partnership
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The 2023 report showcases some of the first tangible results of our civic collaboration, marking a key moment in the development of our long-term regional partnerships.
Highlights:
Launch of the Greater Manchester Citizens’ Panel – bringing together 50 residents from all ten boroughs to provide ongoing insight, challenge, and guidance for university-led initiatives
Pilot Maths Buddy Programme – supporting young people to build confidence and improve attainment in a key area of learning
Open SME platform – improving access for local businesses and charities to short courses and professional training offered by Greater Manchester’s universities
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Our first full impact report sets out the ambitions that underpin the Civic University Agreement. It forecasts the long-term contribution our universities can make – from training vital public service workers to driving innovation and regional growth.
Highlights:
Plans to train 9,500 nurses, 3,500 medics, and 8,500 teachers
£1.3 billion+ of research activity with businesses and public sector partners
Support for the creation of 1,000+ new companies and charities
Forecast of £366 million in services for local businesses and third-sector organisations
A bold vision for how universities can support the region over five years
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Before the agreement was launched, we asked over 1,000 Greater Manchester residents what they most wanted from their universities. This summary outlines the results – and the public mandate that shaped our shared civic mission.
Highlights:
Views from 1,000+ residents across all ten boroughs
Clear public demand for university action on skills, inequality, and climate
A call for more visible and accessible university-community collaboration
Evidence that continues to shape civic priorities today
Latest News
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GM partners launch blueprint for skills development
15 July 2026
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What Does "Manchesterism" Mean for GM Universities?
1 July 2026
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The 2026 Civic Universities Annual Report
23 June 2026