Diversity at Manchester

Top 10 diversity reasons for working and studying at The University of Manchester

1. 11,500 people can't be wrong

We are one of the top employers in the North West. With over 11,500 staff (of which 1,600 are international staff) and 35,000 students, it is more like being part of a community than just a place of work. We have a varied range of jobs at the University to suit all skills and interests.

2. Diverse workforce

We have a genuine commitment to equality of opportunity for our staff and students. The University is a very diverse community with 11% of our staff from a black and minority ethnic background. Women make up 49% of our workforce and we have 7,500 international students from over 180 countries. We aim to employ a representative workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve.

3. Career development

As an employer with education as part of its core business, we care deeply about career and personal development for everyone at every level of the organisation. This starts with a structured induction programme to make you feel welcome and part of the team. An annual performance and development review helps identify your career aspirations and structure your individual development plan. We have our own in-house Staff Training and Development Unit that provides an extensive programme of courses designed for all career stages. We also offer mentoring opportunities to support career development.

4. Employee benefits

We offer a varied benefits package to all members of staff:

5. Work-life balance and well-being

We provide a whole package of family-friendly policies that facilitate flexible working, additional paid maternity and paternity leave, and leave for family emergencies. The University takes the well-being of its staff very seriously, with over 80 health and fitness classes taking place every week. We provide occupational health and counselling services in order to support staff through times of difficulty and also have a dedicated disability adviser for staff. We cater for spiritual needs with on-campus prayer facilities, including Islamic prayer rooms and a multi-faith chaplaincy.

6. Social responsibility

One of the aims of the University's 2015 agenda is to ensure that equality and diversity are championed in all University activities. This includes promoting educational and employment opportunities both in our immediate neighbourhood and across the North West.

7. Staff networks

We facilitate numerous vibrant staff networks. Some of the groups represented include:

The networks exist to ensure that all groups and communities are represented at the biannual Equality and Diversity Forum, and anyone can get involved.

8. Proactive in obtaining equality and diversity awards

9. Communication

We ensure effective communication between staff and management through a variety of methods, including the Diversity Calendar, which promotes events across all diversity themes.

10. Culture and learning for everyone

There is a varied programme of events, including special exhibitions and free lunchtime concerts at the Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama. There are also prestigious lectures on a wide variety of subjects that are open to all staff to attend. With numerous cultural assets and specialist libraries there is something for everyone at The University of Manchester.