Kent Law School has been successful with its application for a Bronze Award under the Athena SWAN Charter, achieving an important milestone toward the advancement of gender equality.
The Bronze Award recognises that the Law School has a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture. This includes initiatives such as working to promote the number of female students on courses, ensuring an even balance of male and female teaching and academic staff, and putting equality policies in place for all staff.
Head of School Professor Toni Williams said: ‘These applications require a huge amount of work, effort and tenacity and we’re delighted that our collective efforts to tackle gender inequality have been successful. We plan to build on this success and will continue to work on developing our policies, practices and culture in order to sustain a welcoming and inclusive environment where all colleagues feel valued, respected and able to progress.
‘I am particularly grateful to Simone Wong, Emily Grabham, Chris Barron, Claire Ashton and Sheree Palmer for their work on submitting the application to Athena Swan and to the many colleagues who contributed to our success through their generous service on the School’s Athena Swan committee.’
The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.