{"id":2269,"date":"2026-01-05T10:45:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T10:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/?p=2269"},"modified":"2026-01-05T10:47:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T10:47:18","slug":"sami-karamalla-gaiballa-why-our-values-need-edi-data-to-come-alive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/2026\/01\/05\/sami-karamalla-gaiballa-why-our-values-need-edi-data-to-come-alive\/","title":{"rendered":"Sami Karamalla Gaiballa: Why Our Values Need EDI Data to Come Alive"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As we adapt for what\u2019s to come, who we are and what we stand for won\u2019t change. Our motto \u2013 Knowledge, Wisdom, Humanity<\/em> \u2013 continues to guide us as we chart our next chapter as a globally recognised civic university. But here\u2019s the truth: we cannot fully live these values without robust Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) data. Why? Because values without evidence risk becoming aspirations rather than actions.<\/p>\n

Knowledge \u2013 Why Accurate Data Matters<\/u><\/p>\n

Knowledge thrives on accuracy. If the data we hold is incomplete or outdated, the insights we draw as well as the decisions we make, will be flawed. That\u2019s why updating your EDI details in MyView<\/a> is so important. Every disclosure helps us build a clearer picture of our community, enabling us to identify gaps and design interventions that work.<\/p>\n

Accurate data underpins key reports, which highlight disparities and informs targeted action plans. Without reliable data, these reports risk misrepresenting reality, making it harder to challenge inequities or measure progress. In short, accurate data is the foundation for evidence-based change.<\/p>\n

Wisdom \u2013 Integrity and Courage in the Decisions We Make<\/u><\/p>\n

Courageous decisions require clarity. Pay gap reporting, awarding gaps, and representation metrics give us the insight to act with integrity. Without data, we rely on assumptions which are often shaped by privilege.<\/p>\n

The Equality Information Report<\/a> is one of the examples. It provides a transparent view of representation across grades, pay bands, and protected characteristics. This report shouldn\u2019t just sit on a shelf. It should be used to inform policy decisions, highlights areas for improvement, and helps us track progress over time. By sharing this data openly, we demonstrate integrity and accountability, ensuring that our actions match our words.<\/p>\n

Humanity \u2013 Compassion, Inclusion and Community in How We Treat One Another<\/u><\/p>\n

Humanity means creating a sense of belonging for every colleague and student. But belonging isn\u2019t just a feeling and it\u2019s measurable. Engagement surveys, disclosure rates, and participation data help us see where inclusion is working and where it\u2019s not.<\/p>\n

In our Lunch & Learn sessions<\/a>, we\u2019ve explained why we collect EDI data and how it benefits the community from improving reporting to shaping support services.<\/p>\n

What You Can Do Today<\/span><\/p>\n

To help us live our values through evidence:<\/p>\n