Athena SWAN in Health Sciences

Congratulations to the School of Medicine - awarded bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of its commitment to gender equality (March 2022). Full story here.

Background

Athena SWAN is a recognition and award scheme for positive gender practice in Higher Education. Universities and their Departments are encouraged to apply for Bronze, Silver and Gold awards; with each representing progress made in relation to gender equality.

Established in 2005 and governed by the UK’s Advance HE unit, (formerly the Equality Challenge Unit), Athena SWAN originally focused on advancing the representation of women in higher education and research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) roles. In order to achieve a successful award at the departmental level, schools must carry out a rigorous self-assessment of their current structure, supports and staff/student data in order to develop specific, tailored action plans that set about improving and monitoring gender equality and diversity within the unit.

The scope of the Charter expanded in 2015 to recognise:

Gender equality more broadly (not just the barriers to progression that affect women)
Academic and research roles in STEMM and AHSSBL
Staff in professional and support roles
Trans staff and students

Faculty of Health Sciences Submission

The first Faculty Self-Assessment Team (SAT) was formed in early 2018 and was responsible for the Faculty-level submission in November 2018. Following panel feedback from this submission, the Faculty is now committed to pursuing Athena SWAN bronze awards for each of its four constituent schools under the expanded Charter. The Faculty SAT has transitioned to school-level SATs who will be responsible for Athena SWAN submissions. The Faculty Athena SWAN Project Officer will oversee the management of these teams, with SAT Champions in place for each School.