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Estates & Facilities: Shaping our future

04 Nov 2025

Over the last few months, the senior leadership of Estates & Facilities have been engaging with colleagues across the University to talk openly about what’s working, what isn’t, and what we want to change.

Your Voice Matters

Our approach was developed in support of the Manchester 2035 strategic vision and in response to feedback from Your Voice Matters. These sessions weren’t just about getting feedback, but starting an ongoing conversation and demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement.

What we heard

Across our sessions, a wide range of valuable insights were shared, helping us to reflect and better serve the University community. Amongst the key themes was:

  • Communication: We need to be clearer, more consistent, and better at sharing what’s going on.
  • Systems: Our tools and process are slowing us down. You want systems that are more modernised and efficient.
  • Cost-effectiveness and transparency: You want us to be more transparent throughout projects.

What we’re doing now

Following the initial sessions, over 100 managers across Estates met at Whitworth Hall for an away day to reflect on what you told us – and we didn’t shy away from the tough stuff. We looked at where we need to improve and how we can support each other better.

It allowed us to focus on collaboration, identify the most common themes raised throughout the process, and embed your voice into our planning and leadership, ensuring any change is shaped by you.

What happens next

We’re taking what you said seriously. Your feedback is shaping how we plan, how we lead, and how we work together. These sessions were not a one off – they are part of our wider commitment continue listening, learning, and working more closely with colleagues across the University.

We’ll keep sharing updates as we progress, because this is about developing the University together.

Your Voice Matters

We’ll continue to share updates as this work progresses, and we encourage all staff to stay engaged, ask questions, and share ideas. You can do this via the Your Voice Matters Hub.