Healthwatch in Greater Manchester is proud to publish our All-Age Strategy Review (2022–2025), marking the completion of a three-year partnership with the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB) which has focused on strengthening public voice across our health and social care system in Greater Manchester.
Developed at a time of significant system change, the strategy set out an ambitious vision: to build a strong, collaborative network that could represent the voices of people across Greater Manchester while influencing decisions at both local and system level.
Delivering on our commitments
Over the lifetime of the strategy, we have met and exceeded all six strategic objectives. This achievement reflects not just activity, but meaningful progress in how public voice is understood, valued, and used across Greater Manchester.
Through this work, we have:
- Established a sustainable and high-performing network across all ten local Healthwatch
- Strengthened governance, accountability and shared ways of working
- Embedded public insight into system decision-making, including quality, safety and access
- Expanded our reach to ensure diverse and seldom-heard communities are represented
- Ensured that what people tell us leads to real action and system improvement
- Built and shared expertise in engagement and co-production
Importantly, this progress has been achieved while maintaining the independence of local Healthwatch and strengthening our collective voice at a Greater Manchester level.
A lasting legacy
The All-Age Strategy has created a clear and practical legacy. We have established a credible, trusted and independent public voice model that complements local statutory delivery while enabling collective influence across the system. Public insight is now more consistently embedded in decision-making, and Healthwatch in Greater Manchester is recognised as a critical friend, offering both challenge and assurance, grounded in lived experience. This is no longer dependent on individual relationships; it is part of how the system works.
Looking ahead: a new phase
As we come to the end of this strategy, the Healthwatch in Greater Manchester network will transition into a more informal, collaborative model, following the end of dedicated funding for the network. While the structure is changing, our shared commitment remains the same.
- Work together across local Healthwatch to share insight and intelligence
- Support a strong, independent public voice across Greater Manchester
- Collaborate with partners, including the Mayor’s Office and system leaders
- Ensure that people’s experiences continue to inform and influence decision-making
This next phase is about sustaining what we have built, while adapting to a changing landscape.
The role of our communities
At the heart of everything we do are the people and communities of Greater Manchester. Every story shared, every piece of feedback, and every conversation has helped shape the progress we have made over the past three years. As we move forward, your voice remains as important as ever.
Thank you
We would like to thank our local Healthwatch teams, volunteers, partners and stakeholders across Greater Manchester for their contribution to this work. Together, we have built strong foundations for independent public voice. The next chapter is about protecting, strengthening and continuing that voice.