Navigating the Now IRL: Manchester

What we’ll explore on the day

• University of Manchester keynote
  A grounded look at their staff experience journey. What worked, what was difficult and what drove real progress.

• Generative AI for action planning
  A collaborative workshop exploring where AI can support post-survey planning. Practical exercises, shared examples and open discussion on what feels helpful vs what feels distracting in real university contexts.

• Liverpool John Moores University case study
  How LJMU re-energised engagement by rebuilding trust and supporting managers with simple, human conversations that led to visible change.

• Peer exchange and reflection
  Working in groups to identify what could translate effectively in your own institution. Space to think, talk and shape next steps.

Alongside structured sessions, there is time to connect over coffee and lunch. The day is designed to support useful conversation rather than passive listening.

Who is this for?

This session is for people in universities who are leading or supporting staff engagement work. That includes:

• HR Directors and senior HR leads

• OD, culture and organisational change practitioners

• Survey and staff experience leads

• Academic and professional services managers taking forward post-survey conversations

Why you should book your spot

When real, meaningful change happens in universities, it’s the result of conversations. Experiments, shared learning and moments where people step out of routine to reflect together. That’s what we’re hoping to offer you at our Manchester gathering.

You will hear directly from peers who are doing the work. Not polished theory. Real progress, real lessons and the honest challenges behind them. The session is built to support practical thinking, open discussion and opportunities to connect with people who understand the pressures you are managing day to day.

We’ll also discuss what comes after the staff survey. How universities keep momentum, hold trust and translate insights into change that people notice.

Attendance is limited to 40 participants, with up to two people per institution. If places fill, a waiting list will be created.