University of Manchester makes THE Award shortlist for cost-of-living response

The University of Manchester and its Students’ Union have been shortlisted in this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Awards in the Outstanding Support for Students category, in recognition of the University’s response to the cost-of-living crisis.

During the 2022/23 academic year, the University and Students’ Union worked together to develop an exemplary package of support for students. One-off payments totalling over £9million were made available to all students in November 2022, which 90% accessed.

Targeted additional support was allocated to some students in February 2023 which, at the time, many other universities were not in the financial position to provide.

Overall, an unparalleled package of support of over £10million reached students through a wide range of interventions in the academic year. These included cosy campus spaces, free breakfasts on Wednesdays and holistic support initiatives.

The effects of this response to the crisis stretched beyond the University, making waves in Westminster discourse and impacting policy. Today, the University’s efforts continue to positively influence conversations around financial support for students across the UK.

At the University, helping students navigate the cost-of-living remains a key focus, featuring prominently in the welcome activities for semester one this year. The group in charge of directing support is chaired by Anna Lomas, Employer Engagement Manager at The University of Manchester.

Anna said of the award nomination: “Being shortlisted is well deserved recognition of the dedication to supporting our students during this difficult period from teams in the Students’ Union, Student Finance, AGLC/Library, Estates, Student Support and more. It was this truly collaborative approach that enabled such a rapid response and comprehensive package of assistance, and highlights the commitment of both the institution and our Students’ Union to the student experience at The University of Manchester.”

The University of Manchester has been nominated for three THE Awards in total this year. The University is a contender for the Research Project of the Year: STEM Award for the world-first bedside genetic test to prevent babies going deaf.

The University has also been shortlisted for the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year Award for its work powering social mobility, in collaboration with the University of Salford and IntoUniversity.

Kelly-Ann Mallon, Head of Access, Student Employability, Success, and Development at The University of Manchester, said: “From the outset, our vision was clear: to work in true collaboration with the Students’ Union to deliver a sector-leading package of support for our students in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. The response was a truly collaborative effort across the University, bringing together colleagues from all areas to ensure that we could respond swiftly and effectively.

“Our collective commitment to supporting our students, both academically and personally, was at the heart of this initiative. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how this package of support has made a tangible difference in students’ lives, and being shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Award reflects the strength of the teamwork involved.”

Lexie Baynes, Union Affairs Officer at The University of Manchester Students’ Union said: “This recognition highlights the incredible dedication and collaboration of our elected Students’ Union Executive Teams of 2022/23 and 2023/24. Their tireless work in partnership with the University was instrumental in delivering a support package that not only provided immediate relief to students but also set a benchmark for institutions across the sector. I’m very proud to see the impact of their efforts acknowledged on such a prestigious platform.”

Considered the ‘Oscars’ of higher education, the THE Awards attract hundreds of entries every year from across the UK and Ireland.

Winners will be announced on 28 November at a celebratory gala dinner at the ICC in Birmingham.