Health Innovation Manchester 2025 Reflections
In this blog, Ben Bridgewater, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Manchester (HInM) reflects on 2025 and shares the thoughts and comments from other HInM staff members.
As 2025 draws to a close, I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made together at Health Innovation Manchester. This year has been shaped by development of our commercial plan, deepening partnerships, and a renewed sense of vision as we strive to improve lives across Greater Manchester, delivering our Innovation with Impact strategy. Together, we have strengthened our role as the GM integrated care system’s innovation leader, with our Board, executive and staff further invigorated by the influence of our inimitable Chair, Professor Mark Britnell.
A spirit of partnership and ambition is at the heart of everything we do. From our pathway transformation programmes – powered by partnerships with NHS, industry, academia, local government – to the ongoing optimisation of GM’s digital and data assets, the progress has been remarkable. Together we are working to turn ideas and evidence into real-world impact – with more exciting projects aligned to system priorities in our pipeline to execute in 2026.
A key part of this journey has been engaging deeply with local people, frontline staff, data controllers and the public. To address drivers of population health by deploying innovation at scale with equity, deep connectivity is required. Unless you understand current barriers to diagnostics and treatment, you cannot address inequalities. As demonstrated in the advanced diagnostics accelerator programme, we have been engaging deeply across communities to recraft services for conditions which are major contributors to early death and significant morbidity.
We also aspire to create an organisational culture aligned with our business objective – to deliver innovation. I was therefore particularly energised to see this in action at our recent internal Copilot use case showcase, where colleagues from across the organisation brought great creativity and insight to share how AI is already shaping their daily work. Unless you understand how to transform your own workplace with AI, you will not be able to support AI transformation in healthcare more widely.
The progress highlighted throughout this end-of-year review is a testament to the commitment and skill of our team. Their work continues to make a meaningful difference across the system. I am grateful to colleagues who have shared their reflections for this blog; their insights show both the depth of expertise within HInM and the collective effort behind everything we achieve.
Our vision remains unchanged: To improve the lives of local people, transform care and strengthen our economy through innovation.
We have had a good 2025 and I am optimistic we will have an even better 2026. I thank you for your continued optimism, commitment and expertise.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy festive break.
Hailey McGlynn | Head of Organisational Improvement
“This year we marked major progress across our people and culture programmes. A few of examples of many being the first completion of our bespoke Project Manager Development Programme and launching the Community Connectivity Programme, which has already delivered two donation drives and charity visits to help us design with empathy. We also introduced Copilot through an empowered, exploratory roll-out that encouraged teams to experiment and learn together.”
We strengthened manager support through Manager Connect and our Manager Basics training, and boosted staff engagement with activities such as the Wellbeing Wednesday Walk and Staff Quiz. We also supported new peer groups and networks, including a Gardening Club and Support Services Network. We’re building a workplace where people feel supported, connected and empowered.”
Ben Diette | Academic Partnerships Manager
“A particular highlight has been building platforms that allow us to share what we do across our partners and bring academic expertise directly into HInM. Whether through delivering bespoke sessions with doctoral researchers and clinical scientist trainees, or through shaping a programme to make cutting-edge knowledge more accessible across the organisation, It’s been rewarding to support a culture where collaboration, learning and innovation can flow more easily into what we do”
Maddie Harriman | Business Manager
“Since joining HInM in August 2024, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the organisation through a dynamic role. A major focus has been working on the Obesity Reimagine programme to help codesign an innovative pathway – work that feels both exciting and important for the region.
Continuously learning from my team, colleagues, and the wider GM system is something I truly value; supporting codesign workshops for the Health Innovation Network strategy refresh was a recent learning highlight. Being part of the newly formed People Council has been a rewarding opportunity to shape staff engagement and organisational development, and I also enjoyed visiting Loaves & Fishes in Salford as part of the Community Connectivity programme.
With significant change across the health sector and within HInM, I’m energised for the year ahead and the chance to help shape solutions that make a real difference.”
Louise Scott | Public Involvement Engagement & Communications Officer
“It’s been an exciting and rewarding year transitioning to the UCD team and working with the GM HIA team. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible voluntary sector organisations through the GM HIA community roadshow and met inspiring local people who collaborated with us to co-create HIA patient stories. Ensuring that local voices are heard plays a pivotal role in shaping services and gives patients the opportunity to share their experiences and influence future improvements.
It’s been fantastic to see the Community Connectivity Programme come to life, driven by a passionate team committed to increasing awareness of health inequalities and strengthening partnerships with local communities. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with the UCD team, keeping service users at the heart of everything we do.”
Dr. Zharain Bawa Ph.D. | Greater Manchester Secure Data Environment Product Director
“This year, we’ve built not just a secure data platform, but a community of experts and collaborators across Greater Manchester and the North West. By empowering users to progress with their research and service improvement projects, we’re unlocking the true potential of health data which is delivering real benefits for patients, clinicians, and our wider region.”
Sam Wilkinson | Marketing Officer
“Looking back on 2025, one of the most notable changes has been the refresh of our website. This update is more than a design improvement. The refreshed site offers clearer navigation, improved accessibility, and a modern look that makes it easier for users to explore our work and engage with innovation across Greater Manchester.”
