Manchester Metropolitan University’s Annual Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Report for December 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of the University’s ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive environment for both staff and students. The report outlines key achievements, identifies areas requiring attention, and sets forth actions to enhance EDI initiatives moving forward.
Key Messages:
- Leadership and Governance: The University has established a robust governance structure to oversee EDI initiatives, ensuring that leadership is actively engaged in promoting inclusivity across all levels.
- Inclusive Culture: There is a concerted effort to cultivate an intentionally inclusive culture, recognising the diverse backgrounds and needs of the University community.
- Data-Driven Approach: The development of EDI dashboards enables the institution to identify challenges, monitor progress, and allocate resources effectively.
Identified Issues:
- Student Attainment Gaps: Disparities persist in academic outcomes among students from various ethnic backgrounds. For instance, the awarding gap for Black students has decreased by 0.7 percentage points, yet remains significant. Conversely, gaps for Asian, Mixed, and Other ethnic groups have widened, indicating a need for targeted interventions.
- Staff Progression Disparities: While overall progression rates are positive, discrepancies exist. Notably, Black staff have the lowest progression rate at 5.1%, underscoring the necessity for focused support and development opportunities.
- Leaver Rates: The rate of staff leaving permanent positions varies across demographics. For example, the leaving rate for Black staff is 12.7%, slightly above the 11.9% for White staff, suggesting potential underlying issues that warrant further investigation.
Actions Moving Forward:
- Enhance Support for Underrepresented Students: Implement tailored support services to address the specific needs of students from underrepresented groups, aiming to close attainment gaps and improve graduate outcomes.
- Promote Staff Development: Develop targeted professional development programmes to support the progression of staff from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly focusing on those with lower progression rates.
- Regular Monitoring and Reporting: Utilise the EDI dashboards to conduct regular reviews of key metrics, ensuring transparency and accountability in tracking progress towards EDI objectives.
- Foster an Inclusive Culture: Continue efforts to embed inclusivity into the University’s culture through training, awareness campaigns, and by encouraging open dialogues about diversity and inclusion.
- Engage with Stakeholders: Collaborate with students, staff, and external partners to gather diverse perspectives and co-create solutions that address EDI challenges effectively.
By addressing these areas with targeted actions, Manchester Metropolitan University aims to strengthen its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for all members of its community.