STRONG LEADERSHIP AND good career prospects make staff feel happy about working for Edge Hill University, which ranks in the top 10 for both employees' positive views about the university and the opportunities for personal growth among all 75 public sector organisations. Established by philanthropists in 1885, the Ormskirk-based institution began as a teacher training college with just 41 students and today is one of the fastest growing universities in the country, operating across eight locations. Employees care about providing a great service, giving an impressive 96% positive in our staff survey, the second highest result of any mid-sized body. They also believe Edge Hill succeeds in providing this (76%). The university offers the chance to continue learning and developing to its 1,234 staff as well as its 23,000-plus students. Opportunities are provided through structured role progression and a variety of degree, masters or PhD courses at discounted rates, as well as professional and vocational education and training and a staff enrichment programme. Employees say they are able to learn and grow (59%, the second highest score), and their work is stimulating (75%). They feel they can make a difference (74%) and contribute to the success of the university (78%). Vice-chancellor Dr John Cater's termly address and weekly email updates keep everyone informed, while an annual back-to-the-floor exercise enables senior managers to experience the challenges of frontline roles. Employees have a great deal of faith in Cater (72%), who has led the institution for 20 years. They believe he runs it on sound moral principles (71%) and are inspired by him (66%). More than 40% of employees earn in excess of £35,000, including senior lecturers, whose average salary is nearly £43,500. Benefits include subsidised facilities and a final-salary pension into which the university pays a minimum 14.1% of employees' pay. Staff are happy with the pay and these perks (66%, the eighth best score). Employees, almost half of whom have been on the payroll for at least five years, are proud to work for the university (74%) and are excited about its future (69%, the fourth best result). www.edgehill.ac.uk
