Edinburgh Napier University selects People First to transform HR and career development in higher education
Edinburgh Napier University, home to over 2,100 employees, is the first university to upgrade from MHR’s iTrent to implement the People First platform - an innovative HR and payroll solution capable of meeting the unique and evolving needs of higher education institutions.
The university sought a platform able to support its need to prioritise career development, enabling employees to plan development pathways and flourish professionally in an industry where advancement opportunities and required steps are not always clear.
People First was chosen for its rapid pace of development, intuitive design, and status as an engagement platform. This makes it particularly well suited to the education sector, where nurturing talent and supporting academic and professional growth are critical.
People First will give Edinburgh Napier employees a much more streamlined and user‑friendly experience, with easy access to career development tools, structured learning pathways, and real‑time payroll information. The system will significantly improve day‑to‑day processes for employees by simplifying routine tasks and reducing the need for manual intervention. It will also lessen the administrative burden on HR and Payroll teams. Senior leaders will benefit from reliable, up‑to‑date people data and insights, supporting more informed and timely decision‑making across the University.
Pamela Smith, Head of People and Performance at Edinburgh Napier University said, “The world of work is evolving rapidly, and having technology that reflects the expectations of today’s workforce —modern, responsive, and people-centred and that also supports career progression, engagement, and operational excellence is essential. MHR’s People First aligns perfectly with our People and Digital Strategies and the future of higher education, helping us attract and retain the best talent and thus enhance the student experience.”
Anton Roe, CEO at MHR added, “Edinburgh Napier University’s decision to upgrade from iTrent to People First demonstrates how higher education institutions are embracing digital transformation for long-term success. Universities face distinct people challenges from complex workforces to evolving career pathways, and we’re proud to play a role in helping their people thrive in an evolving higher education landscape.”
Edinburgh Napier University plans to go live with People First in late 2026, marking a significant step forward in digital transformation for the education sector.
