Support
If you would like to find out more about pregnancy and maternity issues, or are seeking more background information to support a colleague or student, our list of resources (which will expand over time) may be of help.
The University Library also provides access to hundreds of resources, digitally and in print, across a wide variety of topics.
If you have any feedback on the following information, please get in touch.
Support
Staff network groups are a fantastic way to network with people from all over the University. Many of the groups also offer confidential support and advisory services from their members to any member of staff.
Policies and guidance
We have a number of policies and guidance documents available to support equity.
- Maternity toolkit;
- Statutory paternity pay;
- Parental and adoption leave;
- Shared parental leave;
- Menopause support;
- Flexible working;
- Overseas travel guidance for staff and students with protected characteristics;
- Career break
Guidance on AI
What is AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human cognition, such as recognising speech, problem-solving, making decisions and translating languages. Many AI tools and resources are developed by ‘learning’ complex patterns and relationships from ‘training’ data. An important subarea is Generative AI, which involves algorithms that generate new content including text, code, images and music, by training on very large datasets.
Understanding Risks and Biases
While AI brings significant benefits, it also carries potential risks. Algorithms can unintentionally replicate or amplify existing biases if they are trained on incomplete or skewed data.
As we explore generative AI, it’s important to recognise that these systems can sometimes produce inaccurate or misleading outputs—known as hallucinations. Understanding this risk helps us use AI responsibly and ensures that EDI initiatives remain grounded in accurate, ethical, and inclusive practices.
To mitigate these risks, when using AI please use University-approve tools in accordance with University guidelines: Guidelines | AI Hub | StaffNet | The University of Manchester as well as make sure to complete unconscious bias training.
Training
Diversity in the Workplace is an online module that intends to support staff to become familiar with equalities legislation and looks in detail at all equality groups.
Aurora is Advance HE's leadership development initiative for women. It is run as a unique partnership bringing together leadership experts, higher education providers and research institutes to take positive action to address the under-representation of women in leadership positions in the sector.
100 Black Women Professors Now! is a unique 12-month accelerator programme for black female academics working in UK higher education institutions. The programme has been developed by Women in Higher Education Network (WHEN).
Manchester Gold aims to support staff career development across the University by linking them with the support of a more experienced colleague, to work with them over a period of nine months.
Resources
We have a number of resources available that have been developed at the University.
Deborah Bunker and Peter Sykes, Learning and Organisational Development, explore imposter syndrome Imposter Syndrome
Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, Associate Dean (Law and Policing) and Staff Governor at York St John University, and Brooke Foulger, Policy Manager at The University of Manchester, talk about Shared Parental Leave and Breastfeeding Practices in UK HEI.
External resources
Sometimes staff feel more comfortable talking to someone outside of the organisation. There are a number of well-known external resources which may be useful*.
*The University of Manchester cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites.
Women’s Higher Education Network
Women’s Higher Education Network (WHEN) propels women to achieve their ambitions and enables universities and the higher education sector to accelerate change.
Through WHENs network and programmes they are supporting, enabling and connecting women. All of the work of WHEN is raising the profile and presence of women across the sector.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place on 8 March each year and is recognised globally. IWD celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.