ONE OF THE UK's youngest universities, Worcester is a place with a bright future. Awarded full university status in 2005, staff are excited about where it is going, with a 69% positive score ranking it the third best among mid-sized organisations on our list. Employees are upbeat when it comes to the impact of the recession, giving a 50% score on the question of whether the economic climate makes them worried about the future (the 13th highest ranking). A lecturer typically earns £39,470 and nearly four out of 10 staff have a salary of £35,000 or more. Worcester took on 100 graduates in 2008-9 and expects to recruit the same number this year into IT, senior professional and finance posts. The starting graduate salary is about £17,000. Its highest ranked factor is Giving Something Back, where it ranks just outside the top 30 overall. Staff believe the university does enough to protect the environment (65%) and say profit and budget concerns are not the only things driving the organisation (58%). Work is an important part of their lives (76%), they feel they can make a difference (70%), are proud to work there (71%) and love their jobs (64%). One employee says: "The staff are committed, enthusiastic and friendly and have a deep concern for the students. We've developed into a self-confident and self-critical institution." www.worcester.ac.uk