Future Foundations: Transforming how we work – together
23 Mar 2026
Our 2035 strategy outlines the commitment to improving how our University works so we see and feel the benefits in our day-to-day experience. As part of our journey toward the ambitions set out in From Manchester for the world, we are investing in more connected, consistent and user centred ways of working. Future Foundations is a key part of that commitment.
Why this matters
Today, our People and Finance systems don’t work with each other. The new system, Oracle Fusion, will bring these functions together in one place, helping us work more efficiently and confidently. It’s not just a technical upgrade — it supports our broader ambition to become a better organisation: one that is simpler to navigate, fairer, more inclusive and designed around the needs of the people who use it.
What’s coming first
Delivering meaningful change takes time and the programme has multiple phases. November is the first step of seeing improvements with more developments to follow in future releases.
This phase focuses on improvements colleagues will feel immediately, including:
- Booking annual leave
- Reporting your return to work after absence
- Viewing payslips
- Submitting and claiming expenses
For colleagues in our People, Finance and Procurement teams, the changes will also bring:
- Clearer, more consistent processes across the University
- Better-quality, more reliable data to support decision-making
- A foundation for further improvements as we move toward our 2035 goals
Designed with colleagues, shaped by experience
Our approach is rooted in designing with colleagues, not for them. Last week, we welcomed colleagues from across the Professional Services and our academic community. We delivered four sessions over two days, with more than 170 colleagues attending.
They were designed to give a first view of the current processes, how they are improving and an opportunity to see a demonstration of the system.
Over the course of the programme, Future Foundations will make a difference for every colleague at the University, at different levels, in different ways and at different times. So it’s right that we involve colleagues at different levels, in different ways and at different times too. We will keep you informed about the types of opportunities available as we progress.
An iterative journey, not a one-off launch
We know change of this scale takes time and can feel challenging. We will test, learn and adapt as we go, sharing progress openly and creating space for feedback so we can continue improving. This is just one step, there will be opportunities to get involved in future sessions.
Support every step of the way
Before the system goes live, colleagues will receive clear, role specific training, and ongoing guides will be available whenever you need them. As always, we will continue listening to your experiences so the system works well for everyone.
Find out more
- You can explore the wider Future Foundations roadmap and upcoming features on our microsite.