The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
Advance HE members can apply for institutional and departmental Athena Swan awards recognising their gender equality efforts.
Applying for an Athena Swan award?
If you are applying for an Athena Swan award from January 2023 onwards, please use the transformed UK Athena Swan Charter materials which include a range of resources and guidance to support your application.
The Post-May 2015 application forms are no longer available for use and have been removed from the website to avoid confusion but can be requested from the Charters team by emailing athena.swan@advance-he.ac.uk.
Diversity monitoring data and the UK Athena Swan Charter
We have revised our data monitoring guidance to give more clarity when collecting data that relates to sex as a protected characteristic and the Equality Act 2010, and when collecting data for work to create a wider inclusive culture.
93% of Champions believe that the Charter has had a positive impact on gender issues in their university, department or research institute.
The Athena Swan Charter:
- helps institutions achieve their gender equality objectives
- assists institutions to meet equality legislation requirements, as well as the requirements and expectations of some funders and research councils
- uses a targeted self-assessment framework to support applicants identify areas for positive action as well as recognise and share good practice
- supports the promotion of inclusive working practices that can increase the retention of valued academics and professional and support staff, demonstrating an institution’s commitment to an equitable working environment
Advance HE’s Athena Swan Charter covers all gender identities in:
• academic roles in STEMM and AHSSBL
• professional, managerial and support staff roles
• professional, managerial and support staff roles
In relation to their:
• representation
• progression of students into academia
• journey through career milestones
• working environment for all staff
• progression of students into academia
• journey through career milestones
• working environment for all staff
Transformed Athena Swan Charter principles
Transformed Charter principles were published in November 2020. Members are invited to consider and commit to these new principles ahead of submitting their first transformed charter application.
Athena Swan guidance and FAQs
To make it easier for you to find everything you need, we have moved our guidance, templates and good practice examples to support your Athena Swan Charter award submission into an easily downloadable information pack. Just fill in the form below and we will send you an email with everything you need.
We have an extensive FAQs section which contains answers to commonly raised questions about all aspects of Athena Swan, from submitting your application to results.
We also have an extensive FAQs section on the transformed UK Athena Swan Charter.
Athena Swan and Advance HE Membership
In the UK Advance HE Membership provides access to Athena Swan. Choose how to access our membership.
Events
Advance HE are hosting a number events to inform and guide members on the transformed UK Athena Swan Charter. You can book onto events below and also watch recordings of previous events.
Enhancing Good Practice event: Intersectionality in Practice
This joint Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter event aimed to stimulate debate and increase understanding on what it means to work intersectionally in Higher Education (HE) and to explore experiences on embedding intersectionality principles in different HE contexts.
Going for Gold: A Virtual Networking Event for Athena Swan Charter members
This networking event on 22 June aimed to support Athena Swan (AS) leads/ SAT members in departments that currently hold either a Silver or Gold award and who are considering applying for, or renewing, a Gold award for their next submission. Staff that support departmental EDI/AS work, or who are leading or supporting Institutional SATs in Universities or Research Institutes that are planning gold submissions also participated.
A panel of current Athena Swan Gold award holders shared their experience: Dr Leonie Jones, Employability and Diversity Officer, Department of Chemistry, University of York; Rob De Bruin, Professor of Molecular Cancer Biology at the Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London (UCL); and Siobhan Dorai-Raj, EDI Advisor, John Innes Centre.
The event provided a welcome opportunity for informal networking as well as sharing of initiatives and ideas on developing sector leading gender equality activity, supporting others and evidencing sustained success.
A panel of current Athena Swan Gold award holders shared their experience: Dr Leonie Jones, Employability and Diversity Officer, Department of Chemistry, University of York; Rob De Bruin, Professor of Molecular Cancer Biology at the Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London (UCL); and Siobhan Dorai-Raj, EDI Advisor, John Innes Centre.
The event provided a welcome opportunity for informal networking as well as sharing of initiatives and ideas on developing sector leading gender equality activity, supporting others and evidencing sustained success.
Enhancing Practice: Shared Parental Leave and Breastfeeding Practices in UK Higher Education Institutions
This workshop on 22 March 2022 disseminated research findings on a study conducted by academics from York St John University and examined Shared Parental Leave and Breastfeeding Practices in UK Higher Education Institutions.
University and Department introduction to the transformed UK Athena Swan Charter
Advance HE hosted an online dissemination event on Friday 30 July 2021 for University and Department practitioners.
Research Institute introduction to the transformed UK Athena Swan Charter
Advance HE hosted an online dissemination event on Monday 9 August 2021 for Research Institute practitioners.
Professional, Technical and Operational Directorate practitioners introduction to the transformed UK Athena Swan Charter
Advance HE hosted an online dissemination event on Tuesday 10 August 2021 for Professional, Operational, and Technical (PTO) Directorates.
More about Athena Swan
Remote Developmental Review
We provide universities and research institutes the opportunity to receive feedback on a draft organisation-level application for free once per five-year cycle.
Applying for an Athena Swan Charter award
Transform gender equality in your institution through an Advance HE Athena Swan award.
Good Practice Initiatives
Athena Swan good practice initiatives in higher education institutions.
Patrons
Bringing their academic expertise and backgrounds in gender equality to support and champion the Athena Swan Charter principles.
The transformed UK Athena Swan Charter
New and existing applicants can apply to work towards the enhanced version of the Charter from 30th of June 2021.
The new panel for the transformed UK Athena Swan Charter
As part of the new Charter transformation there was revised roles for panel members.
Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions
Call for UK Athena Swan members to partner with Indian higher education institutions and research institutes on an exciting new project
Athena Swan Charter review
More information about the review of the Athena Swan charter in the UK.
Interested in finding out more about the transformed UK Athena Swan Charter?
An extensive range of resources and guidance are available on the new Charter framework.
For an information pack and resources, please see the transformed UK Athena Swan charter here.