Manchester Metropolitan University ranked No.1 for employee experience in 2024/2025 Inspire HE Rankings

Manchester Metropolitan University has been named the top institution for employee experience in the 2024/2025 Inspire HE Rankings, further cementing its commitment to creating an outstanding workplace environment.
In March, the University secured a position in the top quartile of the rankings, with the top spot reflecting the significant impact of its ongoing efforts to foster a supportive and rewarding workplace.
The rankings, assessed by employee engagement survey partner People Insight, were based on factors such as response rate, overall results and performance compared to other Higher Education Institutions that participated in the survey last year.
To qualify for the rankings, universities needed a minimum response rate of 51%, and core engagement-related questions were assessed. Manchester Metropolitan exceeded these criteria, achieving a strong response rate of 70% and an overall engagement score of 80%. Notably, 76% of employees that responded would recommend the University as a great place to work.
The University stood out in key engagement areas, outperforming 40 other eligible institutions, particularly in the following categories:
- Leadership
- Line Management
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Wellbeing and Safety
- Engagement and Reward
Employees highlighted the strong communication with leadership, feeling informed, and being treated fairly, as standout factors that contributed to the University’s success.
This latest achievement builds on a year of external recognition for Manchester Metropolitan’s ongoing commitment to its Road to 2030 Strategy and creating a great workplace.
The University’s accolades in 2024 included:
- People Insight’s Outstanding Workplace Award (March 2024)
- Winners at the UHR Awards 2024 (Reward & Recruitment, Culture Change)
- Highly Commended at the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter Awards (Best for Employee Engagement)
- Finalists at the CIPD Awards 2024 (Reward & Recognition)
Pam Flynn, Chief People Officer at the University, commented: “This success, alongside our exceptional survey results, underscores our dedication to making Manchester Metropolitan a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and empowered. Despite challenges in the higher education sector, we remain committed to investing in our people, driving innovation, and fostering a strong workplace culture.”
She added: “This recognition is also a reflection of our broader achievements, from TEF Gold accreditation to record research grants and leadership in sustainability. We’re proud of our vibrant workplace environment and extend our thanks to all colleagues for their contributions to this success.”
Find out more about the Inspire HE rankings.