Excelling at Manchester (Impact and Growth Conversations)
01 Oct 2026
Get ready for goal-setting conversations this autumn
As we work together to deliver Manchester 2035, every colleague has a role in turning our shared ambitions into action. That's why we're introducing Excelling at Manchester, a new approach that creates regular opportunities for colleagues and managers to focus on performance, career ambitions and personal development.
Building on the foundations of Performing at Manchester, Excelling at Manchester introduces a more continuous approach to performance and development, replacing the annual review with four focused conversations held at key points throughout the year. This reflects what you've told us through Your Voice Matters: that regular, meaningful conversations make a difference and help colleagues do their best work.
Excelling at Manchester provides a practical way to set priorities, build capability, recognise achievements and take ownership of progress. Each conversation has a clear focus, creating a simple and supportive framework for growth throughout the year:
• Goals (September to November)
• Career Conversations (December to February)
• Developing Yourself and Talent Succession (March to May)
• Review and Evaluate (June to August)
These regular touchpoints create ongoing opportunities for colleagues and managers to stay connected to priorities, recognise achievements, reflect on progress, explore development opportunities and plan for the future.
Getting Started
We’ve put together guidance, learning opportunities and practical resources to help you get the most out of every conversation:
- Excelling at Manchester Guidance (Impact and Growth Conversations)
- Focus on Performance
- Focus on Conversations
- Goal-setting sessions (for all colleagues)
Goal Setting – September to November
The first stage of Excelling at Manchester is Goal Setting, which runs from September to November 2026.
As a manager, you should schedule time with each member of your team to:
- Discuss priorities and expectations for the year ahead
- Agree on goals and measures of success
- Identify key areas of focus and development
All goals should be agreed by Friday, 27 November 2026.
Find out more