The number one provider of higher education staff surveys

We are proud to work with the majority of the universities within the UK. From elite Russell Group members to dynamic post-1992 institutions, we understand the unique pressures and challenges HEIs face. Discover why we’re the most trusted provider of higher education staff surveys.
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Did you know?

The future is bright

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89% of HEI employees care about the future of their institution

Seeing the bigger picture

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85% of HE professional services staff say they know how the work they do helps their institution achieve its aims

Proud to contribute

Work together

73% of academics say they are proud to work for their institution

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We will help your institution excel through meaningful change

We’re not just about surveys – we’re about empowerment through meaningful change. We will work with you to create surveys to suit your institution, then use that data to guide employee engagement initiatives.

Our consultants and coaches work with HEIs of all types to interpret data, gather insights and highlight realistic action points designed to elevate your employee experience.

Empowering real change — see how we make a difference

We’ve studied work life in HEIs

Through our collaboration with UCEA  (Universities and Colleges Employers Association), we know the main drivers of employee engagement within HE and where the biggest struggles lie, so we’re well-placed to help you.

Read our report  “What’s it really like to work in HE?” for a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the HE employee experience.

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We have industry-leading benchmarks

When it comes to employee experience data within HE, no other provider compares to us. We’re proud to say we work with more HEIs than any of our competitors and, as a result, we have a rich pool of valuable HE data.

Our benchmarking allows you to filter by university type, demographic and faculty, offering precise insights within the context of your sector.

Workload and wellbeing in the academic environment

Academic workloads are often overwhelming. Our benchmark data shows only 55% of HE employees can comfortably cope with their workload.

Our surveys uncover specific workload pain points, allowing HEIs to improve processes and reduce inefficiencies.

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Nurture great academic leaders: leadership & coaching support

Our benchmark data shows that only 46% of HE staff believe senior leaders make the effort to listen to staff — clearly this is an area that needs addressing.

We help leaders build confidence, develop strategic thinking and communicate effectively by offering tailored coaching and development programmes.

  • Coaching support for local leaders – Three one-on-one coaching sessions to help senior leaders understand local results, plan next steps and receive ongoing support.
  • Executive/leadership one-on-one coaching – A 60-minute coaching session to develop a strategic plan based on key insights.
  • DISC feedback and coaching – A DISC assessment with a 45-minute coaching session to enhance emotional intelligence and relationship-building.
  • 360/270 feedback tool – A feedback tool providing self-reflection and peer reviews, with optional coaching to interpret results.
  • Leadership and management workshops – Practical workshops to equip leaders with skills to analyse data, make decisions and implement action plans.
  • Presentation coaching for departments/teams – A 60-minute coaching session to improve the effective communication of insights.

Employee engagement & insights packages

We help HEIs create opportunities for staff to share their views and shape improvements by providing structured consultation, feedback and reporting tools.

  • Prism (generative AI) dashboard addition – An AI-powered dashboard that provides data analysis, recommendations and chat functionality for local managers.
  • Bespoke check-in/pulse survey – A tailored mini survey to track progress and gather targeted insights.
  • Staff consultation and insights package – A consultation using our employee feedback platform to gather detailed feedback and provide recommendations.
  • One-on-one conversations with staff – Confidential conversations with staff to explore key issues, with a report outlining key themes and recommendations.

Data & analytics support

We help HEIs make informed, data-driven decisions by providing expert analysis and tailored insights.

  • Local area department presentation package – A comprehensive data analysis with a tailored PowerPoint presentation and virtual expert delivery.
  • Focus group local level slide interpretation package – A custom PowerPoint deck and facilitator notes to help local leads run focus groups effectively.
  • Focus group/local conversations facilitation package – Expert-led focus groups with a topic guide, post-workshop summary report and optional dashboard analysis.
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Team & organisational development

We help teams collaborate effectively, build psychological safety and build strategic thinking by offering tailored workshops and expert facilitation.

  • HR business partner programme – A series of workshops to develop HR business partners’ skills in data analysis, employee insights and psychological safety.
  • Team away day support – Expert facilitation for team meetings, away days, workshops and presentation support.

Higher education in a global context

Globally, universities face similar challenges, such as contract instability in the US and research funding cuts in Australia. European institutions struggle to balance teaching and research demands. We help HEIs around the globe to assess, monitor and improve the employee experience for a happier, more motivated workforce.

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Celebrating excellence in higher education

After partnering with over 75 HEI clients (including 10% of the top 50 universities worldwide) and fortified with an impressively robust sector benchmark, we are delighted to present our esteemed Higher Education Outstanding Workplace Award.

This coveted recognition commemorates exceptional employee engagement achievements, firmly rooted in the sector’s top quartile. It is a testament to the outstanding efforts undertaken to elevate the overall employee experience.

Inspire HE: The employee experience university rankings

To support and celebrate the universities going above and beyond to give their employees the best experience possible, we’ve created the Inspire HE rankings.

Universities who place in the top quartile demonstrate their commitment to listening and improving, taking action and bringing about meaningful organisational change to create better, more engaged institutions.

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Powered by people, motivated by change

We’re powered by people — real HR experts who are with you every step of the way. From planning your survey to making sense of the results, we make the employee listening process simple and stress-free.

But we’re about more than just data. We help you turn feedback into real change, so you can create a better experience for your employees. With our experience and hands-on support, you’ll have the guidance you need to make a real impact.

How People Insight can help

Employee surveys

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Whether you’re looking to carry out employee engagement surveys, D&I surveys or boost wellbeing within your organisation, we can help you bring meaningful surveys to life.

360 feedback

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Our 360 feedback tool marries the best in generative AI with expert consulting and project management, leaving you with personal development plans to boost growth.

Consultancy

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Unlike other providers, we go beyond the data. Our consultants are HR experts with the skills and knowledge to guide you on your employee listening journey.

Ready to get started?

Let’s talk! Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about how our employee surveys, 360 feedback and expert consulting services can drive greater performance.

Testimonials

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The survey experience was personal and showed understanding of our organisational culture and how best to take the results forward. Excellent support throughout.

David Woodman at Kingston University

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The service provided was well-planned and executed. My consultant was professional, knowledgeable and supportive throughout the process.

Julie Thompson, Talent, Culture and Inclusion Consultant at University of Derby

Our resources

From case studies to webinars and whitepapers, our resources section is rich with inspirational material that will help you flesh out your employee listening and leadership development strategies. Our blog posts explore all things employee experience, from the employee-employer relationship to change management struggles.