A number of achievements were recognised in our submission
The University has been recognised nationally for our commitment to promoting gender equity with the award of an Athena Swan Silver Award.
Athena Swan is a national charter recognising the advancement of gender equity in higher education. The charter encourages us to look at how we can improve representation, progression and success for all at the University. Our membership of the Athena Swan Charter demonstrates our commitment to tackling gender inequity through long-term institutional culture change.
The University has held an Athena Swan Bronze Award since 2014, but this year's awarding of the Silver Award highlights the efforts made in advancing gender equity across the institution. Nationally, we’re one of only 38 universities with Silver Awards, and just three universities have achieved the higher Gold Awards.
A number of achievements were recognised in our submission which was completed last year, looking back at data from 2023 and earlier, including:
- Increasing the number of women in senior roles as Heads of School;
- Boosting the overall number and proportion of successful applications from women applying for promotion to Associate Professor;
- Launching a Parent and Carers Staff Network;
- Relaunching our Women’s Network for staff;
- Improving maternity leave and pay, and enhancing paternity leave and flexible working options.
Next Steps
While we’ve made progress, there’s more to do. Our Silver Award action plan is ambitious, with clear actions and specific responsibilities to help us build an inclusive culture – different voices, one community – that makes a positive difference to the lives and experiences of our colleagues and students.