The University has launched a new approach to the management of Athena SWAN (AS). A national scheme established by the Equality Challenge Unit in 2005, AS initially focused on advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine employment in higher education and research.

The scheme has now been expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law and in professional roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. AS awards are made at three levels – bronze, silver and gold.

The AS Working Group, chaired by Professor Sarah Vickerstaff, will enable the University to respond positively to this broader criteria and fulfil the requirements of the University Plan 2015-20. The aim is to enable current bronze holders to achieve at least silver by 2020, with all other schools to achieving at least bronze. The University should also obtain at least a silver institutional award by that date.

The working group will be supported by new, expanded project team, led by Sarah, which will oversee the delivery of these outcomes over the next 3 years. Minna Janhonen, AS Advisor, will have a key role in the team, and she and Sarah will be joined by a project manager, data analyst and a post-doctoral research associate.

Sarah said ‘I am delighted to lead on this project. The University has had a long-standing commitment to Athena SWAN and this new approach will allow us to build on this to make a real step change in how we understand and respond to the challenges of gender inequality.’