University of Kent achieves Athena SWAN Silver
The University has been successful in achieving a Silver Athena SWAN award in the November 2020 submission round.
Professor Sarah Vickerstaff (School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research), who was Athena SWAN Academic Lead at the time of submission and part of the drafting team after learning the result:
“We are delighted to have secured Athena SWAN Silver, which is a reflection both of the hard work of the project team and of the broader commitment across the University to inclusivity and equality. We are proud of this award and we are now looking forward to fully implementing our Silver Action Plan. Awards like this are a call to action what matters most is how we take this forward, as individuals and as an institution.”
And Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Strategy, Planning, and Performance said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for Kent, and I extend my thanks and appreciation to everyone who has contributed to changing the culture, approach and processes at Kent. In particular, thank you to the team who have invested in this application and especially to Professor Sarah Vickerstaff who has pioneered this work consistently and enthusiastically as the Athena Swan lead. I am looking forward to collaborating with colleagues to embed the action plans to deliver on our ambitions for equality, diversity and inclusivity at Kent.”
Updated Athena SWAN principles
In committing to the principles of the Athena Swan Charter, we recognise that we join a global community with a shared goal of addressing gender inequalities and embedding inclusive cultures.
Each institution, research institute and department has different gender equality challenges and development priorities. These priorities should be developed based on an understanding of the local evidence-base and national and global gender equality issues. You can find the updated charter principles here.
University of Kent’s Commitment to Athena SWAN
By being part of Athena Swan, Kent is committing to a progressive charter; adopting the principles within our policies, practices, action plans and culture.
Kent achieved its first institutional Bronze award in April 2014, and renewed it in 2018. The University is continuing to establish policies and practices which will create a better working environment across the Divisions – for all staff.
You can read more about Athena SWAN at Kent here.