Contact us

Inspire™ HE rankings

People Insight’s Inspire™ HE rankings celebrate universities that excel in creating exceptional employee experiences, showcasing their commitment to their people.

Conducted annually, Inspire™ HE is a trusted benchmark for excellence in higher education.

Inspire HE
2025 Top Quartile HEIs
university of sunderland logo
Oxford uni logo
LJMU logo
University of birmingham logo
university of sunderland logo
Oxford uni logo
LJMU logo
University of birmingham logo

About the Inspire™ HE rankings

Using data from engagement surveys conducted throughout the year, the Inspire™ HE rankings recognise institutions delivering outstanding employee experience and nurturing a positive workplace culture.

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

Each year, we recognise universities across three categories:

  • HEIs with over 1,000 employees
  • HEIs with fewer than 1,000 employees
  • Most improved employee experience
Inspire 1
Inspire 2

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 champions 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.

51% or higher

participation rate

Core Inspire™ questions

measuring engagement and its key drivers.

An HEI staff survey

conducted in partnership with People Insight.

51% or higher

participation rate

Core Inspire™ questions

measuring engagement and its key drivers.

The ABCs of the process

The yearly cycle provides a comprehensive view of employee engagement trends, highlighting sustained efforts in workplace excellence. Participation is straightforward and confidential

 

1. Survey your employees

Carry out an employee survey through People Insight’s platform to gather feedback across the year.

2. Data analysis

Results are measured against higher education benchmarks.

3. Recognition

Top universities are ranked, with options to showcase your achievement publicly.

Example Inspire™ questions

Here are a few of the questions we use to properly assess your engagement levels. To qualify for the Inspire HE rankings, your university will need to include questions like the following in your People Insight survey:

  • 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

2025 HEIs recognised for employee experience

Large HEIs (1,000+ staff)
HEIs with fewer than 1,000 staff
Most improved
Inspire 3

Inspirational employee experience award for large universities

These universities have achieved Top Quartile status among large higher education institutions, demonstrating consistent strength across the questions most strongly linked to engagement.

They stand out for their commitment to listening to staff, acting on feedback and embedding a culture of visible follow through at scale.

We are proud to work alongside these institutions. Stay tuned for case studies, insight blogs and webinars where leaders from these universities will share how they build trust, drive engagement and translate feedback into meaningful action.

  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Liverpool John Moores University
  • University of Oxford
  • University of Bath
  • University of Birmingham
  • Loughborough University
  • University of Sunderland

Employee experience excellence award for medium-sized universities

These institutions have been recognised for employee experience excellence within the cohort of universities with fewer than 1,000 employees.

They demonstrate how strong listening practices, leadership credibility and clear action planning can create high impact cultural outcomes in diverse and specialist environments.

We look forward to spotlighting their approach in upcoming blogs and conversations, exploring what makes their employee experience stand out.

  • Royal Northern College of Music
  • Exeter College, Oxford

Award for exceptional year on year progress

The Most Improved award celebrates the university that has demonstrated the strongest uplift in employee experience compared to the previous year.

This recognition highlights institutions that not only listen but take visible, sustained action to strengthen engagement, trust and organisational culture over time.

We will be sharing more about the initiatives and leadership behaviours that drove this progress, offering practical insight for the wider sector.

  • University of Birmingham

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
Previous winners
southampton svg (1)
university of sunderland logo
Oxford uni logo
LJMU logo
University of birmingham logo
southampton svg (1)
university of sunderland logo
Oxford uni logo
LJMU logo
University of birmingham logo

Our resources

We’ve packed our in-house expertise and trusted data into resources designed to help you move from feedback to smarter action. Explore our in-depth guides, read the latest blogs and case studies, or join one of our interactive webinars.

Case studies

See how our clients have turned employee feedback into sharper listening and smarter action.
Blogs

Explore practical ideas, fresh research and real examples to improve employee experience across your organisation.
eBooks & Guides

Download eBooks and guides packed with practical frameworks, templates and advice to improve employee experience.
Webinars

Watch on-demand webinars for practical advice, real examples and expert insights on employee feedback.

Case studies

See how our clients have turned employee feedback into sharper listening and smarter action.
Blogs

Explore practical ideas, fresh research and real examples to improve employee experience across your organisation.
eBooks & Guides

Download eBooks and guides packed with practical frameworks, templates and advice to improve employee experience.
Webinars

Watch on-demand webinars for practical advice, real examples and expert insights on employee feedback.