Membership of Advance HE provides access for your institution to the Athena Swan award scheme, with targeted frameworks and support for institution departments and research institutes. As of January 2024, there are 1007 total awards held, 127 are held by institutions and 880 are held by departments in the UK
Benefits of an Athena Swan award
Being part of an internationally-recognised gender equality initiative can help your institution meet its equality legislation requirements, as well as the requirements and expectations of some funders and research councils
The Athena Swan package includes access to the Athena Swan self-assessment framework and award application process plus a range of support to help institutions both enhance their practice and achieve recognition for their commitment in this area.
Athena Swan has a proven impact as a catalyst for change, leading to organisational and cultural transformation that makes a real difference and enables staff to achieve their maximum potential. You can apply for institutional and departmental Athena Swan awards recognising gender equality efforts.
Athena Swan and Advance HE Membership
In the UK Advance HE Membership provides access to Athena Swan. Choose how to access our membership.
The Athena Swan award:
- helps institutions achieve their gender equality objectives
- uses a targeted self-assessment framework to support applicants identify areas for positive action as well as recognise and share good practice
- can help your institution meet its equality legislation requirements, as well as the requirements and expectations of some funders and research councils
- promotes inclusive working practices and can increase your retention of valued academics and professional and support staff, demonstrating your institution’s commitment to an equitable working environment.
Apply for an Athena Swan award
Your application route for Athena Swan is dependent upon the award level you are applying for, and whether you are an institution, department, research institute or located outside of the UK. To make the process as simple as possible we have developed information packs to guide you through your application.
To find out more about applying for Athena Swan and to commence your application please request the Athena Swan award information pack below if you are:
- considering applying for an institutional or departmental award
- considering applying for Bronze, Silver or Gold awards
- a JUNO applicant.
Alternative routes to the Athena Swan Charter award
Research institutes
As a research institute you can apply for the three Athena Swan awards, bronze, silver and gold.
Athena Swan Ireland
Athena Swan Ireland supports universities, institutes of technology and colleges to progress gender equality and is nationally funded.
International Charter partners
The Charter framework has been adapted for use in Australia, the USA, Ireland and Canada.
Athena Swan resources
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 to the UK Athena Swan Member Network Group on Connect (members access only).
If you are already a member, you can log in here, or sign up to access the group here.
More about Athena Swan
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.