Every conversation counts: Introducing Excelling at Manchester
16 Oct 2026
Bringing Manchester 2035 to life through meaningful conversations.
As we work together to deliver Manchester 2035, every colleague has a role in turning our shared ambitions into action. That's why we're introducing Excelling at Manchester, a new approach that creates regular opportunities for colleagues and managers to focus on performance, career ambitions, and personal development.
Building on our previous PDR process, Excelling at Manchester introduces a more continuous approach to career development, replacing the annual review with four focused conversations held at key points throughout the year. This reflects what you've told us through Your Voice Matters: that regular, meaningful conversations make a difference, helping colleagues to understand the value of their contribution, do their best work and continue to grow and develop.
Our new approach provides a practical way to set priorities, build capability, recognise achievements and take ownership of progress. Each conversation has a clear focus, creating a simple and supportive framework for growth throughout the year:
- Goals (September to November)
- Career Conversations (December to February)
- Developing Yourself and Talent Succession (March to May)
- Review and Evaluate (June to August)
Getting Started
We’ve put together guidance and resources to help colleagues and managers get the most out of every conversation.
'Our people are at the heart of everything we achieve as a University. The collective talent, expertise, creativity and commitment of our colleagues make a difference every day. Excelling at Manchester helps bring that vision to life, turning our shared ambitions into meaningful conversations, clear goals and ongoing opportunities for growth and development.
By embedding these conversations into everyday working life, we'll create a culture where we can all thrive, reach our potential, feel valued, and make our unique contribution to the shared success of our Manchester 2035 strategy.’
Ele Morrissey, Executive Director of People
Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility
Goal Setting – September to November 2026
The first stage of Excelling at Manchester focuses on agreeing priorities for the year ahead. Between September and November, colleagues and managers should meet to discuss expectations, identify key areas of focus and agree how success will be measured.
Excelling at Manchester guidance and resources
People Leaders
- Excelling at Manchester Guidance (Impact and Growth Conversations)
- Focus on Performance
- Focus on Conversations
All Colleagues
- Excelling at Manchester Guidance (Impact and Growth Conversations)
- Have a look at How to write SMART goals ahead of your goal session
- Book onto a goal-setting workshop this autumn
More Information