It is a pivotal moment for public services, which face increasing demand and record pressures. Resources are stretched, ‘dysfunctional’ markets have failed many people-centred services, and extractive practices are minimising resources and creating bigger problems for vulnerable people and service providers. We need to reimagine public service delivery.

E3M Imagine took place on 7 May 2025 at the People’s History Museum, Manchester and brought more than 100 participants together to explore innovative ideas and models to improve public services.

Participants included public service commissioners from local authorities, the NHS and other organisations; social enterprises and co-operatives; funders and social investors. They worked in mixed groups at facilitated tables to address the following ‘challenges’ in public service delivery, which were set and informed by commissioners:

• children’s services – reimagining supported accommovdation for young people in care
• health – using Social Outcomes Contracts to scale preventative approaches to improve health outcomes in local areas
• health – how can social investment unlock innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle major health challenges and reduce health inequalities?
• local growth – doubling the size of the social economy at a local level
• older people – how to harness shifts in commissioning, partnership models and technology to create co-operation between authorities, providers and the people themselves to provide better outcomes for those who are ageing
• skills and employment – social economy routes into employment for people with complex needs
• social care – improved outcomes for young autistic people
• social care – supporting people with learning disabilities as they age

Several powerful themes emerged across all challenge areas, including the need for person-centred approaches, breaking down silos, long-term thinking, collecting and sharing evidence and stories, the levering effect of social investment, identifying real social value and building trust. Each table generated specific ideas for innovative work, new partnerships, and action.

Our new report presents key ideas and insights from each challenge area covered at E3M Imagine.

The insights from E3M Imagine 2025 provide valuable evidence of what works and what is needed to create more effective, responsive, and sustainable public services.

E3M Imagine 2025 also included:

• An opening address from Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, about creating a ‘society that works for everyone, a city region where prosperity is shared, a future where public services are not surviving but flourishing and transforming lives.’
• An address from Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, about the size, scale and purpose of co-operatives; how they ‘punch above their weight’ and the procurement changes needed to unlock better commissioning and replication.
• A reception address from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester City Region.
• An address from Sandra Hamilton, Public Sector Transformation, Stone King, on ‘Distinguishing market purchasing from system stewardship.’
• Vignette presentations on creating the UK’s largest urban farm and eco park (Anna De Silva, Northern Roots, Oldham); ‘Risk and opportunity’ (Matt Hardwick, Zurich); and social impact investment (James Westhead, Better Society Capital and Joe Prendiville, AllChild).
• A panel discussion with Jonathan Bland (E3M), Lisa Wilson, (Royal Borough of Greenwich), Matt Smith (Key Fund) and Rachel Law (PossAbilities) which drew together insights from all the tables and challenge areas.

E3M Imagine was supported by Stone King LLP, Better Society Capital, Lloyds Bank Foundation and The Change Coefficient. Our thanks to all supporters and participants.