This year, colleagues from across the university have been stepping away from their desks, giving their time, skills and energy to causes that matter. Their stories show the real impact of our colleague volunteering policy, offering all colleagues three days paid leave to volunteer, and the collective power behind our fundraising and volunteering campaign: Challenge Accepted. 

On the track at the Commonwealth Games 

Siân, Communications Manager, recently spent her three volunteering days at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, supporting cyclists from 23 countries at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. From helping riders prepare for competition to guiding them through the media zone, she was part of the team that kept the event running smoothly. Siân talked about why she enjoyed so much: “Getting to watch and interact with athletes and supporters from so many different countries, some of whom had had very challenging circumstances to overcome. Also just being part of such a big event with thousands of other volunteers and spectators who were excited and eager to welcome the world to Glasgow”. 

And she’s not alone in making an impact… 

Colleagues have also been:  

• Inspiring creativity at Manchester Museum, helping young visitors get hands‑on during the holidays by working with local artists to hold clay play workshops. 

• Setting up events as part of Manchester International Festival, ensuring the smooth running of intimate theatre and huge gigs.  

• Getting their hands dirty by volunteering as a team at local community garden, saving seeds for winter and re-painting old signs.  

Collective impact 

Volunteering is just one element of the Challenge Accepted campaign, which is crucial for delivering our strategy to 2035, From Manchester for the world. We’re uniting alumni, donors, staff, students and civic, industry and community partners to tackle the world’s toughest challenges and transform lives locally and globally. 

Alongside volunteering, colleagues have also fundraised over £10,600 through this year’s Purple Wave, and there’s been a 20% increase in sign-ups to our pay roll giving schemes, Purple Pennies and Purple Pounds, with small micro-donations adding up to thousands of pounds. 

Our entire university community can help create meaningful action and channel collective power into change – including colleagues, students, alumni and our partners.

Do you want to take on the challenge? 

• Find out how you can get involved!