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We’ve taken action on…EDI and dignity at work

25 Apr 2022

Is it worth 15 minutes of your time to fill in the Staff Survey? We think so, because when you tell us what you think, we listen and take action.

EDI

In the 2019 Staff Survey, some people told us that they had felt discriminated against and some reported being harassed or bullied at work.

The University does not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation. We have listened to staff, students and the wider community to consider what we can do to tackle discrimination and support equality at the University. 

“Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at work” says Banji Adewumi, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. “It is vital that we strive for an environment within the University in which bullying, harassment and discrimination are not tolerated.

“Whilst we have made progress in addressing some of the issues highlighted in the last Staff Survey, we acknowledge there is still much to do to ensure we tackle all forms of discrimination in the workplace.”

Here are some of the ways we’ve used your feedback to tackle discrimination in the workplace:

  • Our ‘Speak Up Stand Up Campaign’ encouraged everyone to challenge negative behaviours, and take action against the causes of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
  • We have increased awareness of our Report & Support service, which colleagues can use to report bullying, harassment, or discrimination. In 2021, there were 553 reports – 407 to receive advice from a trained advisor and 146 anonymous reports.
  • We have increased the number of harassment advisors available to staff and students.
  • We have piloted Active Bystander training to over 200 colleagues across the University. This training looked at the role of the active bystander; including micro-aggressions and how people can safely intervene should they witness problematic behaviour. During the pandemic, this was delivered online to over 180 individuals across campus, including the Senior Leadership Team. 
  • We recruited and trained eight new mediators to expand our mediation network. The mediation service is part of the informal route that people can take in the Dignity at Work and Study Process. It brings people together in a safe and confidential environment to work through issues they may be having.
  • Worked with teams to identify behaviours and potential training needs. The EDI team have presented at team meetings, planned bespoke campaigns, and worked with EDI Committees to report on actions taken around behaviour.
  • We asked for your input to help us shape our EDI strategy.

“We still have a long way to go” says Banji. “We want to make sure that no matter what your sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, age, religion or belief, everyone has the opportunity to thrive at Manchester, be treated with dignity and respect and feel that you belong to our University.”

“We want to continue meaningful dialogue with colleagues and have some uncomfortable conversations that will enable us to agree concrete actions to take forward. This is why your feedback in the Staff Survey is so important – your voice really does have an impact.”

Your thoughts make a difference – take time to fill out the Staff Survey 2022

The Staff Survey is the most effective way of measuring how you feel about working here, what you enjoy and which areas you think need improvement. 

By completing the Staff Survey, you give us a clear picture of what it’s like to work here, and where and how improvements can be made. Whether your feedback is good or bad - your answers are invaluable and helps us to make our University a better place to work.

  • The Staff Survey launches on Tuesday 26 April, 2022.
  • For more information visit our Staff Survey site.