Our bicentenary inclusive recruitment campaign, launched as part of The University of Manchester’s bicentenary celebrations, is an initiative contributing to our social responsibility objectives by diversifying the talent pools we recruit from. Designed to reduce unemployment and promote regional socio-economic development, this initiative reflects our commitment to creating a meaningful and lasting impact within Greater Manchester. 

The campaign was delivered in partnership with Aspire, a non-profit recruitment agency, and The Works, an employability and training organisation both who are part of The Growth Company. Our longstanding relationship with The Growth Company has been instrumental in improving job opportunities for local residents. Through this partnership, we provide access to jobs, skills, and training for local communities via The Works. 

The campaign set an ambitious target of providing 200 paid employment opportunities within the University during 2024. By the end of the year, the program had surpassed this goal, delivering 225 roles across the student experience, administration, hospitality and catering. These roles offered casual, temporary, or fixed-term contracts, providing opportunities tailored to the skills and circumstances of each candidate.  

The collaboration ensured the employment opportunities were accessible and appropriate for candidates, maximising their chances of progression onto repeat assignments or to long term employment. As a direct result, many have secured stable roles both within the University and in other organisations across the region. 

Key activities supporting this initiative included career events and job fairs such as Working Health – a voluntary employment scheme for long-term unemployed individuals due to ill health; The Works training programmes – City and Guilds courses for individuals who are unemployed; Pioneer Scheme – providing financial support for individuals who have barriers to accessing employment opportunities; and Multiply – a government course providing individuals with maths training to help with budgeting skills.  

The campaign placed a strong emphasis on engaging underrepresented demographics. It provided specific activities such as proactively identifying suitable roles for candidates; offering tailored support including CV creation, interview preparation and reasonable adjustments for candidates; conducting recruitment events within the community; and collaborating with local organisations to expand candidate outreach. 

The impact of these efforts is evident in the campaign’s demographic achievements, sowing the success of the outreach activities to aimed at ensuring inclusive recruitment practices were embedded throughout: 

• 99.6% of candidates were unemployed at the time of recruitment. 
• 12.4% of candidates identified as having a disability. 
• 76.4% identified as Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME). 
• 23.4% identified as LGBTQ+. 
• 60.4% identified as female. 
• 3 candidates were refugees from Ukraine. 

Behind these statistics are real people with incredible stories of how this initiative has transformed their lives and those of their families.

The University and Aspire are committed to expanding this initiative in 2025 and beyond. By continuing to collaborate with local communities and organisations, we aim to create even more opportunities and further our mission of making a positive impact in Greater Manchester.