Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub has joined forces with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s Adult Social Care Commissioning Team to deliver a pioneering new approach to developing skills and talent within care settings across the borough. 

 This collaborative initiative is designed to strengthen the local care workforce by identifying current and emerging training needs, including those of sponsored workers. By engaging directly with providers and frontline staff, the partnership is identifying training opportunities for the sector and gathering valuable insights into the challenges, aspirations, and skills gaps that shape day-to-day practice in this vital area of public service. 

 The findings will play a central role in informing the design and delivery of the borough’s One Stockport Health & Social Care Career Academy. The academy launched in December 2025 and focusses on building a sustainable, skilled and community-focused care workforce.  

“This is an important step in strengthening how we support the health and wellbeing of our residents, which is a priority for us in Stockport. By working closely with partners and focusing on early, preventative support, we are helping people to live healthier, more independent lives in the borough while making sure services are accessible, joinedup and responsive to local needs.”  

Councillor Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care