Leading People at The University of Manchester
People are at the heart of our University. This page is designed to support all colleagues who lead and manage others, whether you are new to the role or an experienced leader. Here you’ll find professional development resources to build the skills, behaviours and knowledge needed to create and lead inclusive, effective and inspiring teams. Together, we empower our people to thrive and contribute to the University’s mission.
People Leader Development
A suite of resources for colleagues with line management and supervisory responsibilities.
The People Leader Induction
For all People Leaders new to the role or the University, the workshop outlines accountabilities of line managers, the University's approach to people leadership with a deep dive into Manager Essentials (the hub of relevant information, policies and procedures) and further development opportunities.
Book your place on a People leader Induction session.
The People Leader Programme
A 6-month development programme for new People Leaders or those wanting to enhance their effectiveness. See full details on the programme content and how to apply.
The 'Focus On' Series
Short tactical workshops on core people leader topics to support People Leaders to understand accountabilities. good practice and relevant University of Manchester processes in the following topics:
- Focus on Conversations – 3 hour workshop
This foundational module in the Focus On series equips people leaders with the mindset and skills for effective conversations that build trust, enhance performance, and foster psychological safety.
- Focus on Performance – 3 hour workshop
Supports People Leaders to enable and sustain high performance with their direct reports by having a positive impact on individual performance and development, as well as understanding the tools available to address underperformance when required.
- Focus on Recruitment – eLearning + 3 hour workshop
For all colleagues taking part in a recruitment panel, the Recruitment development suite involves mandatory eLearning and an optional workshop focuses on shortlisting and interviewing candidates and provides the opportunity to explore best practice to conduct fair, effective and equitable recruitment experiences.
More ‘Focus On’ topics will be launched throughout 2026 including Absence, Probation & Induction, Resolving Issues at Work. Keep checking back to The ‘Focus On’ Series page to find new courses.
Leading with wellbeing
Leading others also means supporting their wellbeing, and your own. This section brings together courses that focus on recognising and responding to stress, understanding and promoting positive mental health, and creating a supportive work environment. These courses offer practical strategies to help you lead with empathy, maintain resilience and foster a healthy, open culture within your team.
Mental Health
Start course: Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Modern Workplace
Stress
Start course: Introduction to Stress Management for Line Managers & Leaders
Wellbeing
Start course: Managing with Wellbeing in Mind
LinkedIn Learning leadership suite
Below is a suite of LinkedIn Learning courses chosen specifically for our people leaders at The University of Manchester. These resources offer flexible, on-demand learning to help you develop key leadership skills, enhance your confidence and support your team effectively. They also provide practical insights from leading experts. All colleagues at the University have access to LinkedIn Learning.
-
Preparing for a role in people management
Start the course
-
Developing Emotional Resilience
Start the course
-
Succeeding as a new manager
Start the course
-
Succeeding as a mid-senior manager
Start the course
-
Developing Leadership Foundations
Start the course
-
Improving leadership communication
Start this course
Manager Essentials
Manager Essentials serves as your comprehensive guide - a one-stop shop for everything you need to know and do to support your team effectively. Resources on best practice, policies, processes and support in the following areas: starting at the University, employment changes, leadership, leave, absence, wellbeing, IT access and more.
Effective leadership skills development in specific areas
Below is a variety of learning resources designed to help you strengthen key aspects of your leadership practice. Courses focusing on coaching and delegation, managing sickness and giving feedback, these resources offer practical guidance to support you in real workplace situations. You can explore each topic at your own pace and build confidence in the areas most relevant to you and your team.
AI for Managers
AI for Managers is a certification by Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning. In this self-directed learning path, managers at all levels of the organisation will learn practical ways to enhance their effectiveness with generative AI—from making team and one-on-one meetings more effective to giving feedback that gets results. You'll also learn how to have meaningful career conversations with employees in an AI context, build a collaborative team culture with generative AI, and use AI responsibly.
Change Management Foundations
Change Management Foundations is a self-paced LinkedIn Learning course designed to help colleagues understand and lead change effectively. You’ll explore the journey of change, key leadership principles, and how to build support for change. The course also covers strategies to inspire enthusiasm and foster commitment among teams. Ideal for leaders and managers, but open to all.
Coaching
Coaching Culture provides a suit of self-directed coaching courses designed for line managers and individuals looking to strengthen their coaching and communication skills. You can access any or all of the coaching courses listed below, explore at your pace the skills most relevant to you or your team.
Chairing Meetings that Deliver Results
Chairing Effective Meetings is a self-paced LinkedIn Learning course designed to help you run meetings that are purposeful, inclusive, and results-focused. You’ll learn how to set up and facilitate different types of meetings, manage attendance, and address common challenges. The course also covers best practices for remote meetings, ensuring your approach works in any setting. Open to all colleagues at The University of Manchester.
Giving Feedback Effectively
Giving Feedback Effectively is a self-paced LinkedIn Learning course for colleagues at The University of Manchester who want to improve how they give and receive feedback. Led by business expert Amber Vanderburg, the course explores the qualities of impactful feedback, how to handle difficult conversations, and how to address unprofessional behaviours constructively.
Managing Sickness Absence
Managing Sickness Absence is a self-paced digital learning course developed by the People Directorate for line managers at The University of Manchester, offering guidance on handling various types of employee absence. It covers short-term, long-term, and mental health-related absences, along with key principles and legal considerations. Managers will learn how to support staff effectively, conduct return-to-work interviews, and apply reasonable adjustments where needed.
Recruiting Staff at Manchester
Recruiting Staff at Manchester is a blended learning course developed by the Talent Development Team for colleagues involved in shortlisting and interviewing candidates. It combines online learning with a virtual workshop, where you'll practise interview techniques and explore best practices for fair, effective recruitment. The course also covers legal requirements, bias reduction strategies, and onboarding essentials, all tailored to the University’s recruitment process.
Successful Delegation
Successful Delegation is a self-paced LinkedIn Learning course for colleagues at The University of Manchester who want to delegate with confidence and impact. Learn how to set clear goals, overcome common challenges, and build a culture of trust and accountability. The course also explores how delegation supports leadership development and adapts to modern work environments.