How The University of Manchester is making a difference with jobs and skills for local communities

Whilst Manchester is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK, some of its communities are among the most socially and economically deprived in the UK.

But The University of Manchester is committed to helping change that and making a difference to the wellbeing of Greater Manchester communities through its teaching, research, public events and activities – and as a major employer.

It’s the first university in the UK to have social responsibility as one of its core goals and has consistently ranked within the top ten universities for its social and environmental impact in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

The university is helping to provide good quality work and jobs with a particular focus on its neighbouring communities.

Alongside academic roles in teaching and research, around half of its 12,500 staff work in professional service roles such as IT, finance, estates and facilities. Staff join in a variety of ways including through apprenticeships and a partnership programme called The Works.

Former university student, Samantha Grieve found her role through the government’s Kickstart programme in 2021, initially joining as an apprentice before gaining a permanent role as a recruitment support assistant in the people and organisational development team.

Having a disability, she said that the flexible working options have been a real benefit, enabling her to work from home and the office. “People being very caring about it [her disability] is a massive reason why I am still here,” she said. “I haven’t really been in a place of work where they care so much.

“If there is anything wrong or I just need to talk about wellbeing, they [the university] have everything I need,” she said. “They are constantly looking out