Message from Emma Rose, Interim Director of Faculty Operations

13 Jul 2026

This week, Emma reflects on just some of the impressive work professional services teams have delivered over the last year and looks ahead to further service improvements for the coming academic year.

Dear all,

As we enter the summer period, I wanted to reflect on some of the work that has been taking place across professional services (PS) over recent months and to thank colleagues for everything they have done to support each other, our students and our wider ambitions.

This overview is not an exhaustive list of the achievements of our PS colleagues, who continue to excel in delivering our day-to-day business, supporting our students and colleagues. I never cease to be amazed at the sheer breadth of activity that colleagues are involved in and every day I see examples of colleagues working together to solve problems, improve services and respond to challenges. That collaborative approach is one of our greatest strengths and has been apparent across many projects this year.

Future Foundations groundwork

A significant area of my focus recently has been Future Foundations, the University's programme to modernise People and Finance systems and processes. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, the aim is simple – to make routine processes easier, reduce unnecessary complexity and provide colleagues with better access to information and services.

Humanities colleagues have played an important role in shaping how the programme will be implemented in our Faculty and ensuring that the realities and complexities of our academic and professional services environment are fully reflected in the plans for delivery.

Wider PS service improvement

Alongside Future Foundations, I have been involved in the development of the University's wider PS service improvement agenda. This work is helping us think differently about how services overall are designed and delivered, with a focus on improving the experience of students and colleagues, making better use of technology, reducing duplication and ensuring that we direct our resources towards the activity that adds the greatest value.

While this is a long-term programme of work, it is rooted in a simple principle – making things work better for the people who rely on our services every day.

Canvas success

One of our major successes this year has been the completion of the Canvas project. Moving an institution of our size onto a new virtual learning environment was a significant undertaking and one that required an enormous collective effort from colleagues across many teams and disciplines.

I would like to congratulate the eLearning Team on receiving a Distinguished Achievement Award, which is thoroughly deserved recognition for their leadership and commitment throughout the project. I would also like to acknowledge colleagues in our Assessment and Progression teams, whose expertise played a critical role in the successful implementation of Canvas across the Faculty and the University.

Estates and Technical projects delivery

PS colleagues in Estates and Facilities and our Technical Services team have worked tirelessly this year to help deliver some key projects such as the Lenagan Digital Teaching Lab and the refurbishment of the Rutherford Building, with Geography Department colleagues moving in from today. And we are on track for handover of the new Digital Editing Suite in the Samuel Alexander Building in November 2026.

Busy open days

Late June and early July saw two very successful University undergraduate open days. These events are one of the most important opportunities we have to showcase what makes Manchester special and to help prospective students imagine themselves as part of our community. The scale of the operation is huge and relies on the dedication of colleagues from across the University.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, particularly our academic colleagues, PS teams and student ambassadors. Whether delivering talks, welcoming visitors, answering questions or supporting logistics behind the scenes, your enthusiasm and professionalism helped create a positive and memorable experience for thousands of prospective students and their families.

NSS 2026 and next steps

As you will know, the National Student Survey (NSS) 2026 results were published last week, and our Vice-President and Dean, Fiona Devine, and Deputy Dean and Vice-Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students, Fiona Smyth, shared headline results and their thoughts on our performance on Friday.

As always, colleagues will take time to reflect carefully on the feedback provided by our students, celebrating areas of success while also identifying opportunities for improvement. Student feedback remains one of the most valuable sources of insight we have and will continue to inform our priorities for the coming year.

Looking ahead

As we move through the summer, focus turns to celebrating our students, with graduation ceremonies starting today with SALC. Then we move to preparing for the start of another academic year, confirmation and clearing, and welcoming new and returning students.

Manchester, like many institutions, is operating in an increasingly competitive and challenging environment. Despite this, I remain incredibly proud of the way colleagues across Humanities continue to respond with professionalism, creativity and determination. The commitment shown every day to support students, colleagues and advancing our strategic priorities gives me great confidence in our ability to navigate the challenges ahead.

Best wishes,

Emma