The EDI Team’s unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership and tirelessness in mainstreaming EDI have made a profound impact on the Manchester Metropolitan University community and beyond. They’ve shown dedication to EDI by implementing the Inclusive and Diverse Culture Strategy; bringing significant changes to the campus, making it a welcoming, safe, and comfortable environment for everyone.
Achievements over 12mths
1. Inclusive Campus Initiatives incorporated into University’s Design Standard:
– Prayer Spaces: Collaborated with chaplains, estates, and community to create modern, fit-for-purpose faith spaces.
– Culturally Inclusive Toilets: Expanded inclusivity to design fully equipped shower-toilet facilities for community with specific religious and lifestyle needs.
– Changing Places: Established 3 fully compliant CP toilets and 2 enhanced accessible toilets.
– Gender-Neutral Toilets: Addressed needs of Trans and non-binary people.
– Family-Friendly Spaces: Provided facilities across campus suitable for changing/feeding babies.
– Quiet Spaces: Created comfortable settings for neurodivergent community.
2. Continuous Improvement and Awards:
– AHE Athena Swan Bronze Institutional Award: Achieved in 2023 for addressing gender equity, with two departments receiving awards (Psychology and Life Sciences). Aiming for Silver by 2027.
– AHE Race Equality Charter Bronze Award: Achieved in 2022 in recognition for tackling racial parity. Aiming for Silver by 2026.
– DWP Disability Confident Leader Level: Achieved highest level in 2019; sustained to date.
– BDF Disability Smart Audit Gold Status: First ever university to achieve top status in 2017 – plans to reapply in 2025.
3. EDI Training and Development – Equipping/creating a flourishing workforce:
– Intentional about Inclusive Leadership Training: Launched in 2023 with 600+ staff in 35+ workshops. Expanding to students in 2025.
– Cultural Competency Training: 40 trainers completed. Goal: train most staff and students by 2027.
– Inclusive Recruitment Training: Launched in April 2023 – 100 colleagues completing the sessions.
– Making Workplace Adjustments for Disabled and/or Neurodivergent Employees: Aimed at university leaders.
– Intentionally Inclusive Excellence Training for Student Hub Advisers: High satisfaction rates from participants who will implement in practice.
– Equality Impact Assessment Drop-ins: Eliminating adverse impacts from policies/practices on protected groups.
4. Talent Development Programmes:
– Aurora: Supports women in progressing to senior roles. Since 2014, 160 staff have participated, showing higher progression rates (15.3%) compared to non-participants (9.9%).
– StellarHE: Supports Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff aspiring to senior leadership positions. Since 2021,19 participants have taken part; 6 (32%) progressing to senior roles.
5. Social Corporate Responsibility:
– Bridging the Gap Programme: Provides work experience for high school students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Since 2011, 70 students have completed the programme. Plans to expand to students from ethnic minority groups.
– First Generation Scholarship Programme: Supports Year 12 pupils whose parents did not benefit from a university education. Supported almost 3,000 learners, with over 750 enrolling at Man Met.
6. EDI Resources and Networks:
– Five EDI Staff Networks: Inviting our people to become part of the solution, we engaged nearly 900+ colleagues in launching initiatives e.g., Carers Passport, disability and neurodiversity guidance, and representing Man Met in campaigns e.g., Black History & South Asian Heritage Months, Carers Week, Manchester Pride etc.
– Respect at Work Advisors: Supporting staff experiencing discrimination through the Report and Support system.
– Building a Neuro-inclusive Workplace: Created guidance based on lived experiences to reduce stigma and improve education on neurodiversity.
– Guidance for Disabled Staff and Line Managers: Provided information on rights, responsibilities, and opportunities.
– Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit: Launched in June 2023; figures indicate high engagement from hiring managers.
– Ramadan Guidance for Staff & Managers: Supported colleagues during fasting and Eid.
– EDI Dashboard: Monitors staff and student equalities data to guide interventions.