Radical Reformers ep 121: Manchesterism (Part 2) with Thomas Johnson, Head of Reform Strategy and Policy, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

In part two of our Manchesterism series on the Radical Reformers podcast, I am joined by Thomas Johnson, Head of Reform Strategy and Policy at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, for a wide-ranging conversation on what we can learn from the Greater Manchester experience.

What comes through strongly is that meaningful reform cannot be delivered by one organisation, one leader or one part of the system acting alone. It requires consistent collective effort.

Thomas reflects on Greater Manchester’s long history of bringing councils, health, police, fire and rescue, housing, voluntary sector partners and communities together around shared challenges. Collaboration has to be built into the structures, behaviours and day-to-day ways of working.

Our conversation also explores the importance of commitment to a place. Thomas describes how long-term relationships, institutional memory and a deep understanding of local complexity have helped Greater Manchester develop its approach over time.

Can this be replicated? This is not about copying and pasting a model into other areas. It is about understanding the principles that sit underneath it - trust, shared purpose, practical collaboration, local identity and a willingness to rewire systems around people and places.

For anyone thinking about devolution, public service reform, local government reorganisation or the future of place leadership, this episode offers valuable insight into what it really takes to make collaboration stick.

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