The Open University Reviews
Updated 28 Dec 2019
Recommend to a Friend
Approve of CEO
Peter Horrocks
65 Ratings
Pros
"Great company to work, the work-life balance is excellent" (in 15 reviews)
"Nice working environment, beautifully kept campus and good on-site cafeteria" (in 14 reviews)
Cons
"Lack of career progression (in academic related posts)" (in 10 reviews)
"Senior management disconnected from main body of staff" (in 10 reviews)
- Helpful (1)
"Lovely Environment"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
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- Senior Management
RecommendsPositive OutlookI worked at The Open University full-time for more than a year
Pros
They give you flexibility and the culture is really nice and friendly.
Cons
Cant think of anything. The jobs are not fixed term, they can let you go when ever they want.
The Open University2019-11-14 "The Open University has a great role in education"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
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RecommendsPositive OutlookNo Opinion of CEOI have been working at The Open University part-time for more than 8 years
Pros
Work manily from home Many students are grateful for our contributions and feedback to further their careers.
Cons
Depends on the number of students your work is not stable
The Open University2019-12-28"lovely colleagues, complex structures"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
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I worked at The Open University full-time
Pros
supportive lovely colleagues, interesting student body
Cons
working digitally takes getting used to, useful skills but allow yourself time to adapt
The Open University2019-12-06"Great Mission"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
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Doesn't RecommendPositive OutlookNo Opinion of CEOI have been working at The Open University full-time for more than 10 years
Pros
The organisation serves a great purpose opening lifelong learning to the masses across the UK and wider. Good holiday minimum 30 days and great people to work with
Cons
Decisions by committee and adverse to change. Has been a front runner in distance learning but others are now catching up.
The Open University2019-12-06"Love the job, not so much the management"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
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Neutral OutlookNo Opinion of CEOI have been working at The Open University full-time for more than 8 years
Pros
It's hard to beat the OU's mission and the feeling that you are doing something for the greater good. The campus is also spacious and very nice (free parking!) and some areas have relative flexibility of working arrangements. Can also study OU courses for free.
Cons
The area I work in is not quite so flexible: some people can work from home whenever they want, others are never allowed (even if they are doing the same role). There's a big culture of favoritism and it seems that you are treated depending on who your friends are. Also, if you are unlucky enough to be going through bullying, there seems to be zero support for the victim but plenty for the aggressor. How does that work? There also seems to be zero opportunity for development, unless you only want to ever do the one role.
Show MoreAdvice to Management
Take care of your staff and take them seriously when they are brave enough to come forward with complaints about their senior managers. Bullying does happen, and no amount of hiding your head in the ground will make it go away.
The Open University2019-12-17"OK"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
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RecommendsNeutral OutlookNo Opinion of CEOI have been working at The Open University full-time for more than a year
Pros
Great Holiday and Flexi working
Cons
Hard to to career progress and not inspired
The Open University2019-12-05"Great Uni"
StarStarStarStarStarRecommendsApproves of CEOI have been working at The Open University full-time for more than 3 years
Pros
Flexible Studying, Fully supportive, Economic
Cons
I have no issues at the moment
The Open University2019-11-12"Decent place to work overall"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
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RecommendsPositive OutlookDisapproves of CEOI worked at The Open University full-time for more than 3 years
Pros
Good benefits - holiday, free courses, etc.
Cons
Working environment. Minimal drive to deliver. Cost cutting. Politics.
Advice to Management
Be more ruthless. Streamline. Operate more efficiently. Sponsor good behaviours.
The Open University2019-11-22"Fantastic organisation"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
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- Senior Management
I worked at The Open University full-time for more than 10 years
Pros
Clear purpose, mission and values.
Cons
Overly bureaucratic at times which can be frustrating.
The Open University2019-10-25"Suits Me"
StarStarStarStarStar- Work/Life Balance
- Culture & Values
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RecommendsPositive OutlookNo Opinion of CEOI have been working at The Open University part-time for more than 8 years
Pros
I can work at home with no regular travel. It's easy.
Cons
Poor annual pay - less than the minimum wage when calculated annually
Advice to Management
Pay more
The Open University2019-11-05
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