Working together to deliver a transformed Athena Swan
As you know, we are in the process of transforming the Athena Swan Charter in the UK. Working hand-in-hand with the Athena Swan Governance Committee (ASGC) and the Athena Swan Transition Group (ASTG), we are building on the strong foundation provided by the Independent Review that reported last year. The Independent Review informed their work through consultation with the sector and it is our goal to maintain that sector-informed approach as we manage the transition to ‘Athena Swan 4.0’. In addition to the advice and oversight provided by the ASGC through their monthly meetings, the transformation work is supported and informed by a number of expert sub-groups. As we finalise the detail of how the review recommendations can be best implemented and Athena Swan successfully transformed, we want to continue to work closely with the sector and our members who have been clear in their desire to be central to the development of their gender equality charter.
Draft criteria and expectations
We have this week published draft award criteria for UK Athena Swan awards in the future, with an outline of the expectations underpinning the criteria. Through the clear evidence presented in the Independent Review and from feedback from our members and applicants, we have heard the concerns of the sector relating to the consistency and transparency of Athena Swan award outcomes and identified this as a priority for action.
Since the publication of the Charter Principles, we have held monthly meetings working with the ASGC, the ASTG and subgroups focusing on particular aspects of gender equality in order to develop defined and transparent guidance to support the high-level award criteria.
Feedback has suggested that describing expectations in relation to the high level criteria, that are importantly still flexible to applicant context, will provide useful clarity and direction to applicants. This will help them streamline their approach rather than feeling under pressure to detail everything they are doing.
As this is the first time we have attempted to provide this additional clarity relating to the award criteria, we want your feedback! We are holding a series of engagement events next week and will be inviting attendees to share their thoughts on the draft criteria and guidance
Culture survey for academic departments
We have heard and agree with the sector’s desire for culture to be central to the Athena Swan process. Alongside this, we have also heard your concerns about the implementation of any new requirements within the infrastructures you have already built in your institution to support your gender equality work.
Over the past three months, we have worked with the ASGC, the ASTG and Professor Dorothy Griffiths, the author of the culture survey provided in the Independent Review, to develop a draft culture survey with greater in-built flexibility whilst still addressing the core elements identified as essential. A UK-wide engagement exercise is now underway on the best way to deliver on the survey and options for its implementation whilst respecting the review’s recommendations.
Collaborative approach
Based on the feedback we receive from the sector, we will work with the ASGC and the ASTG to finalise and publish materials as soon as possible thereafter. It is crucial to us that we take a collaborative approach to the development of Athena Swan, building on the input and expertise of colleagues across the sector. Regardless of institution type, regional context, or professional background, this is your Charter, and we want to build a Charter that works for you.