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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 Bronze Award. This award recognises that issues have been identified and solutions are being developed.

Our Bronze Award, awarded in 2008 and renewed in 2011, 2014 and 2018, demonstrates our commitment to a culture change within the University towards a more inclusive, representative and progressive environment.

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team manage the University application. The University will be applying for a Silver award under the new criteria in November 2023, recognising the impact of gender equality actions and initiatives.

All Schools in the University also hold Athena Swan awards; we have five Schools which 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.

Athena Swan across the University

Individual Schools also hold Athena Swan awards. We have seven Schools with four Silver and three Bronze awards.