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Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout begins for Professional Services colleagues

22 May 2026

This week, Professional Services colleagues will begin to receive access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, supported by live learning, guidance and dedicated support.

Man looking to the right, in front of screens with Manchester 2035 graphics

This next phase of the rollout has been informed by what we have heard from across the University so far. More than 2,000 colleagues in the early cohort have already started using Microsoft 365 Copilot in practice, sharing their experiences, questions and feedback along the way.

At the same time, conversations with colleagues and students outside that group have continued to shape our approach. Input gathered through local discussions, engagement activity and ongoing feedback has influenced how we are delivering this phase, including the learning offer, communications, guidance and wider support available to colleagues as access expands.

What did we learn from the early cohort?

Across the early cohort:

  • Nearly 3,000 colleagues attended live learning sessions
  • More than 30 live sessions were delivered
  • Sessions received an average feedback rating of 4.6 out of 5
  • Following learning, 80% of participants reported feeling confident or very confident using Microsoft 365 Copilot, compared with 24% before training

Key changes made because of feedback and engagement from the early cohort include a longer learning window, clearer onboarding, improved signposting and more practical University-specific examples.

Read more about how colleague feedback is shaping the Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout, including what colleagues asked for and what has changed as a result, on the SharePoint hub.

What’s next?

The Professional Services learning programme runs from 18 May to 28 June. Colleagues should continue to look out for guidance and reminders including signposting to sessions, coffee drop-ins, the Teams learning space and SharePoint support.

Colleagues can find support routes and FAQs on the M365 Copilot SharePoint hub.

As the wider rollout continues, colleagues can prepare by reading the University’s latest AI guidance, including the updated IT Acceptable Use Policy, the Guidelines for Staff and Students Using or Developing AI, and completing the AI at Manchester Essential Course.

You can share feedback or raise questions at any time via the user feedback form:

Key links