2024’s Top Quartile HEIs

About the Inspire™ HE rankings

The Inspire™ HE rankings spotlight universities that go above and beyond to empower their employees. Using data from engagement surveys conducted throughout year, the rankings highlight institutions nurturing a positive workplace culture, helping them stand out and attract the best and brightest.

Scores are calculated by comparing results to sector benchmarks, ensuring a fair and transparent ranking process.

Show the world you’re a leader in employee experience

Securing a spot on the Inspire™ HE rankings sends a clear message — your institution values and champion its people.

This recognition offers:

Increased visibility in higher education and beyond.
A competitive edge in attracting top talent.
Enhanced reputation as an organisation that prioritises employee wellbeing and engagement.

Inspire™ HE ranking criteria

An HEI staff survey

conducted in partnership with People Insight during 2024.

51% or higher

participation rate

Core Inspire™ questions

measuring engagement and its key drivers.

The ABCs of the process

Participation is straightforward and confidential:

Survey your employees: Carry out an employee survey through People Insight’s platform to gather feedback across the year.
Data analysis: Results are measured against higher education benchmarks.
Recognition: Top universities are ranked, with options to showcase your achievement publicly.

The yearly cycle provides a comprehensive view of employee engagement trends, highlighting sustained efforts in workplace excellence.

Example Inspire™ questions

The university supports my health and wellbeing at work
I feel valued and recognised for the work that I do
I have confidence in the senior management team
Change here is well managed
I am proud to say I work for my university
Senior leaders make the effort to listen to staff

Value that keeps on giving

Ranked universities enjoy:

Featured recognition on our website and social media.
Dedicated press campaigns to amplify your achievements.
Exclusive use of the Inspire™ HE badge for recruitment and promotional materials.
Opportunities to position your institution as a leader in employee engagement.

Why employee experience is so important to higher education

Exceptional employee experience is central to thriving in higher education. Engaged staff contribute to better student outcomes, innovative research and a dynamic academic environment.

Institutions that prioritise engagement retain top talent and build stronger, more collaborative teams.

By focusing on wellbeing and development, universities create cultures that attract the best of the best.

Get involved and promote your culture

The Inspire™ HE rankings is your chance to showcase your institution’s dedication to its people. As a yearly ranking, it offers the opportunity to track progress and celebrate achievements annually.

Start by connecting with us to learn more about participation criteria and benefits. Celebrate your workplace culture and take your reputation to the next level.

Higher education staff surveys

2024 top quartile HEIs

The top universities for employee experience

These universities have consistently demonstrated their commitment to listening to the employee voice and improving the employee experience.

We’re incredibly proud to partner with these universities. Stay tuned for case studies, blog posts and interactive webinars where these top HEIs will share their strategies for building colleague engagement, boosting motivation and creating impactful action planning

Please note that universities in the top quartile will be added as permissions allow

University of Southampton
Manchester Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Abertay University
Imperial College London
Royal Academy of Music
Loughborough University

Learn more Learn more Learn more

Recent Posts

Inspire™ HE rankings