Purpose

Like other parts of the UK, Greater Manchester has seen the devastating impact of heightened community tensions in recent years. Both Bolton and Manchester experienced the violent unrest of summer 2024. Since 2025, protests outside asylum hotels have risen, and in October 2025, there was an antisemitic terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Ongoing international conflict and local attacks are creating heightened feelings of anxiety, fear and intimidation for residents in Greater Manchester.

National research indicates that social cohesion is coming under growing pressure in towns and cities across the UK. Long-standing challenges have contributed to this strain, particularly growing economic insecurity, deteriorating public infrastructure, and a decline in public trust in institutions and political leaders. Recent challenges including ongoing international conflict, the growth of social media and spread of mis and disinformation, the cost-of-living crisis, and the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on work, social interaction and communication have further exacerbated these challenges.
In response to these issues, Greater Manchester is working in close partnership with community safety leads, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations, as well as academic institutions, to foster positive social cohesion and address the root causes of hate crime. In 2024, the region published its second Hate Crime Plan (2024-2028) outlining six key priorities and a detailed action plan aimed at preventing and tackling hate within Greater Manchester.

As part of this work, we are looking to speak to a range of communities across Greater Manchester. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of residents’ perceptions and experiences, and to gather their views on strategies for building social cohesion locally. Insights from this study will play an integral role in shaping the broader work programme and informing future support from GM partners.

University of Salford were identified as the most advantageous tenderer for this contract.

Decision

GMCA (Safer & Stronger Communities team) has conducted a commercial services-led request for quotation exercise inviting bids for provision of services to deliver a qualitative research project that explores the drivers of social cohesion across Greater Manchester, drawing on the perceptions and experiences of residents. The most advantageous tenderer has been identified as University of Salford. The contract will commence at the point of award and will last for 5 months, with exact dates to be specified on the contract award decision notice at the conclusion of the tender process. The total amount of funding to be awarded is £49,948.66