The Equality and Diversity Committee, led by Professor Irene Roberts, secured a renewal of the Athena SWAN Silver Award, which was originally conferred in 2015. Silver department awards recognise that the department has taken action in response to previously identified challenges and can demonstrate the impact of the actions implemented.
Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Charter evolved from work between the Athena Project and the Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN), to advance the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM). It was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to enhancing the careers of women in STEMM employed 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.