More colleagues, stronger engagement, clearer action: Colleague Engagement Survey results
20 May 2026
With participation and engagement both up, the results provide an important snapshot of colleague experience
- Participation is up, with 7,445 colleagues taking part – 59% of eligible colleagues.
- Engagement is up, with the University’s overall score rising to 80%.
- Confidence in action is up, with more colleagues believing the survey will lead to change.
7,445 colleagues took part in the 2026 Colleague Engagement Survey, Your Voice Matters, helping to build a clearer picture of what it feels like to work at the University and where further action is needed.
This year’s results show continued progress, with the overall engagement score rising to 80%, above both the higher education and Russell Group benchmarks. Response rates also increased, with 59% of eligible colleagues taking part — up 8% on 2025.
The results are an important part of how we listen, learn and improve together, supporting our M2035 ambition to create an inclusive, supportive and high-performing University community.
Ele Morrissey, Executive Director of People, said: “These results are encouraging and reflect the commitment of colleagues across our University to shaping a better working environment for everyone. It is particularly positive to see more colleagues taking part and more people believing that action will follow. That matters because listening is only the first step – we must also respond collectively.
“Whilst the headline results look positive, we know there are important aspects of the experience which still need to improve, so we will continue to focus on actions across our four University level themes, as well as support local leaders to take local action.
“Many of our Manchester 2035 priorities focus on these themes, like the Future Foundations project which is tackling key aspects of systems and processes – an area many of you told us needs to improve. Some of this work will take time, so take a look at the three-year work package to see what’s planned.”
University level action themes
There will continue to be a firm focus on our four University level action themes - leading change, workload and resources, building a career, and bullying, harassment and discrimination. A fifth University level theme of recognition will also be added this year.
Next steps
Your local leaders will share more details about the survey results in your area and provide opportunities for you to explore what the results mean. We have a community of 265 Engagement Advocates who will develop local actions aimed at improving the colleague experience and engagement.
- Find out who your Engagement Advocates are at: Engagement Advocates 2026
All colleague townhall – Thursday, 18 June
Join the conversation about what these results mean and where we should be focussing our efforts at our next Townhall with President and Vice-Chancellor Duncan Ivison on Thursday, 18 June 10am – 11am.
- Colleagues will receive a calendar invite to join online. If you would like to attend in person please register for a place.