About us

👥 Welcome to the Partnering Team

The Estates Partnering Team is the first point of contact for matters relating to the University’s campus and Estates & Facilities services. From quick fixes to major projects, we provide advice, coordinate support, connect colleagues with the right expertise, and work alongside you throughout.

As part of the Directorate of Estates and Facilities, we collaborate with Faculties, Professional Services and Cultural Institutions to build trusted partnerships and develop a deeper understanding of their priorities, challenges and operational needs. By recognising how different parts of the University work, we can provide informed advice, coordinate effective support and help colleagues achieve their objectives.

We provide a clear route for assistance when issues are complex, require coordination across teams, or it is unclear where to start. As a single point of contact, we help colleagues access the right services and find practical solutions.

Through open and clear communication, we build strong relationships and encourage collaboration both within the University and with external partners. We help colleagues make informed decisions and achieve positive outcomes that support the University's ambitions set out in Manchester 2035.

🛠 What We Do

We support a wide range of services, both strategic and operational, including:

  • Day-to-Day Support: Assisting with the coordination of maintenance activities and emergency responses, helping to ensure the right teams are engaged and issues are managed effectively.
  • Customer Engagement: Building strong relationships with our partners, understanding local priorities and ensuring effective access to Estates & Facilities services.
  • Estates Support: Acting as a conduit between partners and service providers, coordinating Estates & Facilities services where required and helping to resolve issues that span multiple teams.
  • Service Performance & Improvement: Monitoring service delivery, representing customer needs, and working with teams and providers to maintain and improve service standards.
  • Maintenance & Upgrades: Supporting the development of long-term maintenance strategies as well as short-term small works programmes.
  • Project Delivery: Supporting projects from concept to completion by helping to shape briefs, clarify requirements and engage stakeholders. We work alongside project teams throughout delivery and help colleagues move smoothly into new or refurbished spaces.
  • Space Management: Providing analysis and advice on space use, including planning, reviews, and lease support.
  • Funding & Reporting: Contributing to funding applications and statistical returns.
  • Decoration & Refurbishment: Coordinating improvements to enhance the campus environment.
  • University Events: Supporting the delivery of key events such as Graduation, Welcome Week, and Open Days.

🤝 How We Work

  • Build Trusted Partnerships: We develop strong relationships and take the time to understand local priorities, challenges and opportunities to provide informed, relevant advice.
  • Support Decision-Making: Providing professional advice to support strategic planning and day-to-day operational decisions.
  • Simplify Engagement: Making it easier, clearer, and faster to access Estates & Facilities services.
  • Resolve and Escalate Issues: Helping colleagues navigate challenges, coordinate across teams and find the right route to resolution.
  • Drive Results: Focusing on practical outcomes that improve services, support sustainability and enhance the campus experience.

🌟 Why It Matters

Our work helps ensure Estates & Facilities is seen not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner in supporting the University’s strategic priorities and ambitions. By understanding our partners’ needs and the breadth of Estates & Facilities expertise, we build strong relationships, take purposeful action and help colleagues overcome challenges, access the right expertise and achieve their objectives.

Need our support?

Whether you have an Estates issue, a project to discuss, or simply need guidance on where to start, we're here to help. Please visit our Contact Us page to find the relevant contact details for each team.