Brief
The Growth Company is inviting Expressions of Interest from community-based organisations across Manchester to become lead provider for a new Worklessness Programme running from April 2027 to March 2029. This partnership-led initiative aims to support Manchester residents into work and sustain employment by reducing employment barriers through a holistic approach.
Programme Objectives:
• Reduce employment barriers for Manchester residents
• Engage and support unemployed people to participate in the labour market
• Support employed people at risk of losing work due to health conditions or disabilities
• Engage employers to provide meaningful work opportunities
• Deliver a coordinated local work, health and skills offer
We are looking for locally embedded providers who:
• Are based in or have strong presence within Manchester communities
• Have trusted relationships with local residents and referral partners
• Have experience supporting people with health, disability, wellbeing or employment barriers
• Work effectively with racially minoritised communities and underrepresented groups
• Deliver culturally competent, trauma-informed and/or neurodiversity-aware services
• Can contribute to delivery in priority Manchester neighbourhoods
• Can provide specialist support in: mental health and wellbeing, disability support, youth support, ESOL and language support, digital inclusion, confidence and motivation building, community engagement and outreach, employer engagement, and housing, debt or wraparound support
How to Apply:
Register as a supplier on the Panacea Supplier Platform at https://app.panacea-software.com/growth. Navigate to 'Register Interest', click 'Participate', then go to 'My Questionnaires' to download the EOI document. All submissions must be made via the Panacea Portal by 17:00 on Friday 28th August 2026.
