Athena Swan
The Athena Swan Charter recognises and celebrates good practice towards the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. The charter, run by Advance HE, is now a global framework supporting and transforming gender equality within higher education and research.
The University has been a member of the Athena Swan Charter since 2008 and currently holds a Silver Award. This award recognises the progress and impact made towards gender equality and endorses future university plans that will help overcome remaining challenges and embed inclusivity for all people across the University.
Our 2023 Athena Swan submission and achievement plan was co-created with the university community and is aligned with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy.
Our Bronze Award, awarded in 2008 and renewed in 2011, 2014 and 2018, demonstrated our commitment to a culture change within the University towards a more inclusive, representative and progressive environment.
The Directorate of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion coordinates and prepares the University application and monitors progress against the action plan that we commit to as part of the application process. The University will be applying for its next award in October 2028.
All Schools in the University also hold Athena Swan awards; we have five Schools that hold a Bronze Award and four Schools have been awarded at Silver level.
New framework
The Athena Swan charter has undergone a transformation in recent years. The new framework, referred to as the Transformed Charter, must now be used by new and existing members, meaning the University and all Schools making applications must now apply under the Transformed Charter.
The new framework is more flexible and supportive and includes new principles, materials and award criteria. Find out more.