Call centres, new numbers and handset recycling: Your Teams Voice update

Last year, we introduced auto-attendant and call queue functionality to replace our old hunt groups. This functionality has now been enhanced, allowing Telecoms to offer shared numbers with simple call routing, as well as more complex call centres like those used by the ITS Support Centre, and Confirmation and Clearing. 

To request these services you can complete the form on the Call Centres and shared office numbers page and Telecoms will contact you.  

Provision of phone numbers to new and existing staff  

Last year, the Teams External Calling project provided Teams phone numbers to all who requested them. We are now providing numbers to all remaining staff with a Microsoft M365 staff license.  

In April 2025 we will be providing these colleagues with their new numbers. Some 6,000 colleagues will be notified that they will receive a new number with one month and two weeks’ notice. Colleagues will be given options to be recorded as ex-directory and provided with alternative numbers, and directed to training resources for using Teams calls.   

No action is needed by colleagues or managers except those wishing to be ex-directory. 

We have now started providing all new starters in receipt of a Microsoft M365 license with a phone number. Managers no longer need to request this.  

Please contact teams.voice@manchester.ac.uk with any questions about the project. 

Handset recycling campaign update 

Last October, we launched a video featuring Patrick Hackett, Registrar and Chief Operating Officer, highlighting the importance of recycling old handsets and where you can drop off your old handsets.  

To date, we have successfully recycled nearly 6,400 handsets out of a possible 12,790, translating to nearly 3,209kg of recycled phone waste – the weight of an adult male hippo.  

There are still plenty of old handsets we need to find around campus to help us achieve our sustainability targets. Please take a look around your offices, desks and old meeting rooms and drop-off any old handsets in the following locations: 

• Arthur Lewis Building: near the main reception/foyer on the left-hand side. 

• Ellen Wilkinson Building: near the entrance opposite the Samuel Alexander building, to the left-hand side. 

• Stopford Building: near the entrance podium, near the turnstiles. 

• Crawford House: the blue tub/wheeled container at reception. 

Non-Voice Devices