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Greater Manchester Strategic Infrastructure Board (GMSIB) Terms of Reference

GM Strategic Infrastructure Board Terms of Reference

Overview

Established in 2019, the Strategic Infrastructure Board (SIB) leads on addressing the challenges outlined in the Greater Manchester Infrastructure Framework (2019) (PDF, 17 MB). The Board advises the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and coordinates responses to key infrastructure issues.

Infrastructure Challenges

The Framework identifies 11 critical challenges across Greater Manchester’s physical infrastructure:

  • Zero carbon heat

  • Reduction in heat demand

  • Accommodating changing electricity demand

  • Improving transport capacity and connectivity

  • Supporting low emission vehicles

  • Managing flood risk

  • Maximising the value of green and blue infrastructure

  • Implementing the GM Digital Strategy

  • Promoting a collaborative and coordinated approach

  • Developing sustainable funding models

  • Ensuring resilience to shocks and stresses

Purpose

The SIB exists to:

  • Convene strategic-level organisations responsible for Greater Manchester’s infrastructure

  • Take ownership of the 11 Infrastructure Challenges

  • Provide strategic oversight, coordination, and identify interdependencies

  • Influence communication of key issues and priorities across GMCA, partners, and government

Membership

Board members are expected to:

  • Provide expert, impartial advice to GMCA

  • Collaborate with GMCA advisory groups to shape a resilient Infrastructure Strategy

  • Engage with government departments, regulators, industry, and stakeholders

  • Advise on policies from relevant Economic Regulatory Bodies

  • Promote collaboration, secondment opportunities, and issue resolution

  • Support coordinated efforts across key stakeholders

Membership Criteria

  • Strategic director level or equivalent

  • Authority to influence organisational strategy and direct resources

  • Direct access to their organisation’s Chief Executive

  • Deputies must be of similar seniority

2025/26 Priorities

Maximising Devolution and Implementing the Greater Manchester Strategy

Transition from a nationally driven system to one led locally by GMCA, with enhanced transparency and accountability.

  • Strengthen GMCA input into company plans

  • Deepen links with regulators and government departments

  • Enhance GMCA’s role in regional constructs (e.g., National Energy System Operator)

Tactical Working Initiatives

Build on current progress through:

  • Streetworks Pilot

  • Integrated Water Management Plan

  • Integrated Infrastructure Pipeline

Governance, Transparency and Reporting

Align infrastructure development with the Housing First, Planning and Infrastructure Portfolio. Provide clear reporting on priorities and activities.

Engagement and Collaboration

The Board will engage with and request input from:

  • Natural Capital Group

  • Transport for Greater Manchester

  • Green City Region Partnership

  • Greater Manchester Digital Infrastructure Advisory Group

  • Greater Manchester Resilience Forum (Infrastructure)

  • Integrated Water Management Plan Partnership

Board members will:

  • Leverage internal expertise

  • Promote collaboration and partnership working

  • Support GMCA in communicating infrastructure priorities

Board Composition

Permanent Members:

  • United Utilities

  • SP Electricity North West

  • Cadent

  • Environment Agency

Other Representatives:

  • Chief Resilience Officer (Greater Manchester Resilience Forum)

  • Directors of Place and Environment (GMCA)

  • Chair of the Digital Infrastructure Advisory Group

Invited Participants (as needed):

  • National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA)

  • Homes England

  • Natural England

  • National Highways

  • Network Rail

  • Transport for Greater Manchester

  • National Grid

  • National Energy System Operator (NESO)

Governance

  • The Board meets quarterly.

  • Chair may be appointed from within or externally, subject to GMCA approval

  • Vice Chair appointed from membership

  • Membership, terms of reference, and leadership reviewed at least every two years

Accountability

The Board is accountable to:

  • Greater Manchester Combined Authority

  • Business Board