Supporting you to lead performance conversations and deliver M2035
05 Jun 2026
Manchester 2035 sets out a clear ambition: to be a great civic university for the 21st century, delivering impact locally and globally — from Manchester, for the world.
Achieving this depends not just on what we do, but on how we lead, support and develop our people every day so they can do their best work. As a people leader, you play a vital role.
In our latest colleague engagement survey, only 55% of colleagues felt they have regular conversations with their manager about their personal and professional development.
That’s why we’ve prioritised rethinking our approach to P Performance and Development Reviews (P&DRs) in our three-year work package to create the conditions for everyone to thrive and perform at their best – ensuring everyone has the best colleague experience.
What is Performing at Manchester?
Performing at Manchester is a new approach to performance and development conversations that moves towards replacing the annual P&DRs.
It’s being designed with colleagues to support colleagues to perform at their best — not through form filling or one-off events, but through meaningful, ongoing conversations that matter.
The focus is on regular, purposeful discussions to help people to:
- stay clear on priorities and expectations
- reflect on your impact and progress
- build skills and confidence
- connect your work to team and University goals
Where we’re up to
Your feedback and lived experience are shaping the language, templates and support we’re developing.
Guided by the principles in our Delivery handbook, we’re taking an iterative approach, working with teams across the University to co-create tools and guidance that work in practice.
Your voice matters
As we test, learn and refine, our aim is to create an approach that feels practical, meaningful and grounded in what colleagues need.
Your input will help us achieve that and we welcome your feedback on our resources.
- Performing at Manchester Guidance Document
Your role
Performing at Manchester is not about paperwork — it’s about quality conversations.
The best way for you try out our new approach is to give it a go. As a people leader, we encourage you to:
- Schedule and prioritise regular quarterly conversations with members of your team
- Access guidance, examples and resources in the Performing at Manchester Guidance Document
- Create an open, supportive environment for discussion. If you need support, we’ve developed Performing at Manchester Templates but you can also use your own.
You don’t need to have all the answers, these conversations are about listening, exploring and supporting colleagues to perform at their best.
Where can I get support?
We offer a suite of training for people leaders to help you develop your skills and become an effective and well-rounded people leader. Find out more at:
If you have any questions, please contact Linda Simmonds, Head of Performance.