Swansea University’s School of Management has been awarded a Bronze Athena SWAN Charter award for its commitment to promoting gender equality in the latest review round by Advance HE.
The Award recognises the School of Management’s commitment to the advancement of gender equality in terms of representation, progression and success for all.
Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Charter is a highly successful national programme which has grown from ten founding university members in 2005 to 160 UK universities and research institute members today. The Charter initially focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) in academia only, but was expanded in April 2015 to include all subject areas, for all staff in academic and professional services roles and for trans staff and students.
Professor Katrina Pritchard, Deputy Dean and academic lead for the School of Management award submission, said: “I got involved in our Athena SWAN activity as soon as I joined Swansea University and am passionate about ensuring we build on what we do well, and want to ensure we are not afraid to highlight and address that which needs to change. Our work on the submission has provided the opportunity for important discussions about diversity and inclusivity within the school.
“Our recent event for International Women’s Day saw over 60 staff and students come together to debate diversity, highlighting the level of engagement across the school”.
Further examples of the advance in gender equality in recent times at the School of Management includes student societies at the school having more female presidents, and the work, study and research of many staff and students being profiled in the University’s Inspiring Women series which celebrates the women of Swansea University, both past and present.
In 2017, Swansea University was awarded a Silver Institutional Athena SWAN Equality Award for its significant record of achievement, activity and impact in gender equality. All other Colleges are engaged with Athena SWAN and have achieved or are working towards varying levels of awards.
Professor Hilary Lappin-Scott, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Athena SWAN Champion, said: “This is wonderful news! The School of Management have worked hard to increase diversity and inclusivity at every level and I know it is committed to moving forward to continue progress.
“This award also demonstrates Swansea University’s on-going ambition to be an inclusive and supportive environment that pursues fairness in such areas such as gender pay, and diversity in senior appointments and upholds our commitment to improving diversity and enables staff and students to fulfil their potential. “
The award will be presented to the School of Management at a ceremony to be held at the University of York on 24 June 2019.
More information about Athena SWAN at the School of Management can be found here