Disabled People’s Organisation-led co-production, strategic coordination, mobilisation and evidence development partnership 2026–2028
In November 2025, Manchester City Council (MCC) set a bold mandate to move from a ‘deficit model’ of disability to a ‘social wealth model’. Manchester City Council is developing Disability Equity Manchester, also referred to as the Inclusive City programme, following the Council’s commitment to address structural barriers experienced by disabled residents. The programme is grounded in the social model of disability, human rights, independent living and meaningful involvement of disabled people in decisions that affect them.
In January 2026, MCC commissioned a ‘discovery phase’ for Inclusive City (Disability Equity Manchester) to inform the co-development of governance and a delivery vehicle for the programme and to develop a programme for delivery. The ten-year programme will establish an operating system in Years 1 and 2, develop a first proof of change, and then seek to scale through mainstream funding and partner ownership. Please refer to the document 1 attached (Executive Summary) for further details.
This Expression of Interest (documents 2 and 3 attached) is for delivery of the partnership, which is the delivery vehicle, which supports delivery of the whole programme: it provides strategic coordination, co-production and evidence capacity, whilst Manchester City Council, system and project partners remain responsible for detailed management and implementation.
Information session: Monday 14th September 2026, 12pm-12.45pm on Teams. To register contact: equityandengagement@manchester.gov.uk to register and notify of any adaptations that you require to attend. The session will be recorded.
Deadline for submission: 7th October 2026, 5pm
Expressions of Interests and any further questions or information should only be submitted to: equityandengagement@manchester.gov.uk
If you require attached documents in alternative formats, please email equityandengagement@manchester.gov.uk