STAGING
+44 (0) 203 142 6511 enquiry@staging.peopleinsight.co.uk Book a demo
Please fill in your details and a member of our team will be in touch
Newsletter Signup

See our Privacy Notice - you can unsubscribe at any time.

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 logo

2024 top quartile HEIs

US logo
MMU Logo
CMU Logo
abartay logo

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

Inspire HE

 conducted in partnership with People Insight during 2025.

51% or higher

Inspire HE

Participation rate

Core Inspire™ questions

Inspire HE

measuring engagement and its key drivers.

rankings

The ABCs of the process

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.

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

Inspire HE

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
what

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.
Inspire HE

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
Inspire HE

2024 top quartile HEIs

The top ten universities for employee experience

These 2024 Inspire HE winners 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 winners will share their strategies for building colleague engagement, boosting motivation and creating impactful action planning

  • University of Southampton
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University
  • Abertay University

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.
Case studies Learn more Blogs Learn more eBooks and guides Learn more