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The Open University

Engaged Employer

Top heavy and failing - Anonymous employee The Open University Employee Review

2.0
Apr 4, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

My line manager is excellent. Flexible on working location. Free parking on campus. Very supportive during traumatic life events. Met many very nice, talented, colleagues in the last few years.

Cons

Senior management can become very defensive and evasive during town halls. Frequently they either answer a different question from the one that was asked, or just avoid answering at all. Intimidation by senior management of lower grades is sadly not uncommon. Wages are worth less and less in real terms due to below inflation pay rises each year, management don’t want to do anything to help. No chance of promotion if your face doesn’t fit. Seemingly constant threat of redundancies in the lower grades, higher grades always seem to be spared. Senior management never seem to be held accountable for their decisions. ‘Benefits’ basically non-existent. The original goals of the OU have largely been forgotten.

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The Open University Response
1mo
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re really pleased to hear that your line management and colleagues have been a positive part of your time at The Open University - this matters a great deal. We’re equally concerned to read your comments about senior leadership visibility, communication, and perceptions of fairness around progression and job security. These are important issues, and we know we don’t always get everything right. We are continuing to work on improving transparency, strengthening two way communication, and ensuring all colleagues feel heard and valued, regardless of grade. Feedback like this plays an important role in shaping those improvements. If you would be open to it, we would welcome a further confidential discussion so we can better understand your specific experience. Please contact careers@open.ac.uk to progress this.

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