Poly(ether sulfone) blended membranes were synthesized with various percentages of manganese carbonate as a surface modifier and poly(ethylene glycol) using a phase inversion technique. Surface characterization was made using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and contact angle. The membrane equilibrium water content, porosity and average pore size were measured to evaluate the physical properties of the membrane. Performance of the blended membranes was evaluated in terms of water permeability, antifouling property and dye rejection efficiency. The membrane showed a significant change in surface morphology and hydrophilicity when 3 wt % MnCO3 was used. Water uptake tests confirmed the enhanced porous nature of the PES/PEG/MnCO3 blended membranes over the pristine PES membrane. Fouling studies showed that the 3 wt% MnCO3 blended membrane possesses an impressive 98% flux recovery ratio. © 2017, © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.