Attendees:
Melanie Sealey (Chair), Keir Duffin, Patrick Rafferty, Paul Britton, Sarah Jane Mackenzie-Shapland, Sayid Deksan, Sarah Bowker, Ian Thompson, Michael Curtis, Sarah Miles, Chris Fuller, Matt Dodd, Iain Masters, Tom Phillips, Isabel Blake, Kevin Mills, Natalie Haines (on behalf of Helen Bone), Michael Kendall (Item 1), Hannah Dixon (Minutes)
Apologies:
Sean Anstee, Andrew Collier, Chris Watts, Helen Bone, Ian Collinson, Leroy Venn, Richard Marsh, Sarah Ratnage, Sean Kearney, Tim Child, Adrian Welsh, David Carter, Alison Hayward, Catherine Turner, Chris Bartlett, Chris Shears, Claire Cushion, Dave Harwood, David Lang, Dominie Dunbrook, Jody James, Laura Jayne Haynes, Mathew Chetwynd, Mike Deaton, Neil Blaney
1. Minutes from the Previous Meeting
1.1 Minutes from the previous meeting agreed as an accurate record.
2. Gorton Public Sector Hubs – Michael Kendall
2.1 The Gorton Hub has emerged as a nationally recognised example of best practice in public sector integration, with visits from three government ministers. It is one of the few hubs in the UK that co-locates a wide range of public services under one roof.
2.2 A resident survey highlighted declining quality of life in Gorton, which has an ageing population, significant health issues, and low life expectancy. In response, the hub was developed to address these challenges, guided by strategies such as Making Manchester Fairer, Public-Sector Reform, and GMCA Live Well.
2.3 The project began with a vision in 2012 and a five-year planning phase. A loan was secured to build the hub, with tenants repaying over 25 years. The hub has since generated £16 million in social value and secured £20 million in central government funding through the Pride of Place award.
2.4 Key tenants include GPs, One Manchester (a local housing association), Manchester Local Care Organisation, a library, adult education services, and the DWP. The co-location of services has led to significant efficiencies, such as halving referral rates in health and social care.
2.5 Challenges have included initial ambiguity around integration and cost-sharing responsibilities. However, the benefits—such as increased community engagement, job fairs, and health events—have been substantial.
2.6 The hub operates under a strong governance framework with shared principles and a trauma-informed, strength-based approach. Future plans include referral mapping, data-sharing protocols, and integrated communication platforms over a 5- 10 year timeline.
2.7 The Gorton Hub is now being considered as a national blueprint for similar initiatives, with central government closely monitoring its progress. Securing senior-level engagement for the Gorton Hub was one of the most challenging aspects of the project. The team employed several strategies to build support, including:
- Developing compelling case studies to demonstrate potential impact.
- Organising an away day to engage with other hubs and share learning.
- Leveraging strong branding and visuals to communicate the vision.
- Fostering long-term partnerships that laid the groundwork for collaboration.
- Securing signatures on pledges, which marked the formal start of joint efforts.
2.8 Ongoing engagement is maintained through regular reporting to the board on integration progress and by creating feedback loops for operational staff. Demonstrating tangible benefits and collecting positive feedback have been key to sustaining momentum and accountability.
3. BLRF Bid Update – Keir Duffin / Paul Britton
3.1 There are 3 bids going forward. We are awaiting the opening date, hopeful this may be next week.
4. Devon and Torbay CCA – Emerging Housing Plan – Matt Dodd
4.1 The draft Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA) Housing Plan has been circulated for comments. Stakeholders have the opportunity to provide feedback before the plan is formally approved at the DTCCA Board meeting in November. The Devon and Torbay Housing Strategy will serve as a key supporting document.
Action: Matt Dodd to return with the final version at a future meeting once it has been signed off.
5. Homes England Update – Natalie Haines
5.1 Amy Rees the new Chief Executive (one month in post), has joined from the Ministry of Justice. The organisation remains focused on the Devolution agenda and the delivery of the National Housing Fund, with a target implementation date of 1st April.
5.2 A shift toward a regional model is underway, with five Executive Director roles currently advertised to lead the regions.
5.3 Plans are progressing to establish a new bank, which will offer more flexible loan and grant options. This is being developed by the Investments Officer and will influence how funding is delivered in future. There is also a continued emphasis on the Affordable Homes Programme and its delivery.
6. Public sector co-location update – Ian Thompson
6.1 Ilfracombe: There is strong activity focused on enhancing high street services. A productive partner workshop was held at the local hospital, with parallels drawn to the Gorton Hub model. The next phase, running through to March 2026, will involve refining design and space requirements, developing a business case, and continuing stakeholder engagement.
6.2 DWP Support in Torquay and Exeter: Opportunities for co-location are still being explored in both areas. Iain Masters proposed convening a discussion with Patrick, Ian, and Keir to further explore the Torquay DWP opportunity.
7. Opportunities for Cross Charging/ Income Generation – Keir Duffin
7.1 ACTION: Add to the next meeting agenda.
Future Meeting Dates:
Wednesday 21st January 2026
Wednesday 15th April 2026
Wednesday 15th July 2026
Wednesday 21st October 2026