Continuous Improvement Awards
We are always looking at ways to advance ourselves by investing in external continuous improvement schemes. We are an award-winning organisation and lead on a number of prestigious equality charter marks, which demonstrate our commitment and progress in ensuring an inclusive working environment. They also demonstrate clear accountability.
Awards and Partnerships
Athena Swan Charter Bronze Award
The Athena Swan Charter was established in 2005 and is led by Advance HE. The charter aims are to advance gender equality in HE and specifically seeks to advance the careers of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM). In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business and Law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women and makes explicit acknowledgement of intersectionality in its remit.Manchester Metropolitan University became a member of Advance HE and adopted the Athena Swan Charter principles in 2012, successfully achieving a Bronze Award in 2012. The University is currently in the process of applying for a further renewal submission in May 2023 under the Transformed UK Athena Swan Charter.
Disability Confident Leader
Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions. It has replaced the previous Two Ticks Positive About Disabled People scheme. It is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people's representatives.The University was first awarded leader status in 2019 and recently succeeded in being awarded the highest level again, until 2025. The renewal included an independently validated self-assessment explaining how Manchester Met is demonstrating its commitment as a leader, a subsequent action plan to address areas it needs to develop and how it is publicly reporting on disability employment. In several areas, the University was identified as demonstrating best practice within the sector, including: Data Reporting, Capturing the Staff Voice & Inclusive Recruitment.
Disability Standard
The Business Disability Forum’s (BDF) Disability Smart Audit (formerly known as the ‘Disability Standard’), is a whole-organisation disability management audit. It’s been developed by the BDF to help organisations measure and improve on performance for disabled customers, clients or service users, employees and stakeholders.In 2017, we became the first university to achieve the top ‘Gold’ status since the assessment was introduced in 2004.
Race Equality Charter Bronze Award
Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to the Advance HE Race Equality Charter (REC), which aims to improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education.The University successfully achieved a Bronze Award in 2022.Our Race Equality Objectives and Action Plan have been developed to provide a clear set of practical actions we can take to address racial inequalities at Manchester Met.
Bridging the Gap Work Experience Scheme
Manchester Metropolitan University have been working with New Bridge School and Manor Academy for over 10 years on the Bridging the Gap programme. During this time, Man Met have supported around 70 work experience placements which have helped young disabled people secure and keep paid permanent jobs.
Women's Higher Education Network (WHEN)
WHEN connects all women* across the sector in order to maximise opportunities, remove systemic and cultural barriers, and expand horizons. By coming together to support, share and learn from one another, we are stronger.The University is proud of its partnership with WHEN.