As part of our Bicentenary celebrations, the University has proudly achieved a major milestone in our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. The 200 for 200: Bicentenary Inclusive Recruitment initiative set an ambitious goal – to offer 200 meaningful employment opportunities to members of our local community – and has delivered on that promise with remarkable impact.

Led by the University’s Talent Acquisition team in partnership with Aspire Recruitment, the initiative aimed to reach communities facing barriers to employment. By identifying suitable roles within the University and working to remove barriers, the collaboration has opened doors to transformative opportunities for people across Greater Manchester.

Ele Morrissey, Executive Director of People, said: “Supporting those from socially disadvantaged parts of our community into work is critical for the economy, individuals’ wellbeing and social cohesion, and this collaborative initiative is a phenomenal opportunity for people in our communities to work at The University of Manchester.”

“The University is one of the largest employers in the region, so for us to be able to lead the way and demonstrate success and illustrate how gaining employment can truly transform people’s lives is truly inspirational. Being a socially responsible employer is critical to our success, and it’s one of our identifying factors.”

The initiative successfully engaged and supported candidates from a wide range of underrepresented backgrounds:

• 76.4% identified as BAME
• 60.4% identified as female
• 23.4% identified as LGBTQ+
• 12.4% declared a disability

Each statistic represents a unique individual whose journey has been positively shaped by the programme. Whether it’s a new start, a second chance, or a step into a long-desired career path, the stories behind the numbers highlight the transformative power of inclusive employment.

This initiative not only underscores the University’s commitment to equity and access but also contributes to the growth and resilience of the wider community.

Through 200 for 200, the University is not just celebrating 200 years of history – it’s actively shaping a more inclusive and empowered future.

• Watch our film – University of Manchester celebrates milestone bicentenary recruitment initiative.
• Read the full article on the Manchester Evening News website, including the stories of some of our colleagues who found employment though the initiative.