Autumn Message from SEED Head of School, Khalid Nadvi

03 Nov 2026

Khalid talks about the importance of creating, strong supportive networks across the School and shares key updates, including new leadership opportunities.

Dear colleagues 

It’s hard to believe that we are already at the beginning of November. The first few weeks of a new academic year always seem to pass in a busy blur. For those involved in teaching, I do hope reading week now provides a little breathing space after an intensive start to the semester. Especially as it comes straight after half term, which for many colleagues means additional challenges juggling work and family commitments. Thank you, as always, for managing the many spinning plates.  

Celebrating our colleagues 

October has been a real month of celebration for SEED, with both our academic and professional services colleagues recognised through a number of awards and professional achievements. It’s been wonderful to see the breadth of work across our School receiving recognition - I’ve shared a selection of highlights below. 

Firstly, I was delighted to see SEED colleagues celebrated at the University’s inaugural Partnership Excellence Awards, as part of the Innovation Festival. Congratulations to Nicola Banks and One World Together, winners of the Social Enterprise Partnership Excellence Award. It was also fantastic to see Emma Shuttleworth and Joanne Tippett shortlisted for their partnerships work and Diana Mitlin shortlisted for the Strategic Alliance Excellence award. 
 
There has been more good news through the Humanities Outstanding Staff Awards. Congratulations to Miriam Firth, who won both the Outstanding Teaching and Employability Award and Outstanding PGT Dissertation Supervisor Award; Liam Collins, winner of the Outstanding Student Experience Support Award; Anna Gilchrist and Ian Thornhill who direct the MSc Nature Restoration, Recovery and Rewilding, named Outstanding Programme of the Year. Congratulations too to our brilliant highly commended colleagues who have been recognised through the awards. I do hope you have had chance to celebrate your hard work. 
 
Supporting colleagues 

One of the clear messages from Your Voice Matters was the importance of colleagues feeling listened to and supported. In response, we’re currently making a number of changes aimed at creating stronger, more supportive networks across our School and Faculty. 

As we begin this work, I've enjoyed coming along to the MIE, GDI and Architecture departmental forums in October to share key updates and hear what matters most to colleagues. I’m looking forward to attending Geography and PPEM forums, as well as at School Board, to continue these conversations. 

I’ve been making time for colleagues to speak with me one to one too via my Listening Forums. My final session of the semester will take place from 2-4pm on Tuesday 17 November in the Nottingham room in the Ellen Wilkinson Building. You’re very welcome to come along by yourself or with colleagues, however you feel most comfortable sharing your perspectives and ideas with me. 

I believe creating spaces throughout the year for colleagues to talk about their ambitions, development and the support they need is vital. So I very much welcome the introduction of Excelling at Manchester, the University’s new approach to conversations about performance, career ambitions and personal development, which will allow colleagues to discuss their development much more frequently. 

Understandably, many of you will have questions about how this new approach will work in practice and suit the needs of colleagues in different areas. If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to take a look at the frequently asked questions and give the new approach an opportunity to develop as we begin using it. 

Leadership opportunities in SEED 

Of course, a strong collegiate network can only thrive with supportive leadership in place. This week, we’re beginning the process of recruiting to three Head of Department roles across SEED, in Architecture, Planning, Property and Environmental Management (PPEM) and the Global Development Institute (GDI), alongside the opportunity already advertised for the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE). 

These are important leadership roles, providing academic leadership and management for their departments and helping to support the ambitions of the School, Faculty and wider University.  

I would encourage colleagues who are interested to find out more and send in an application. 
 
Oracle Fusion launch

Finally, one of the best ways we can support you is by providing modern systems that do what you need them to, when you need them to. This week, Oracle Fusion will officially be launching.  

I’d encourage you to explore the system when it becomes available (keep an eye on Staffnet for news), and remember, the latest information is available on the Oracle Fusion microsite.  

As we head further into November, I hope reading week offers, where possible, a chance to take stock and catch your breath before the second half of the semester. 

Khalid Nadvi
Head of School