Athena Swan UK: Draft award criteria and underpinning expectations

Through the valuable 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.

Working with the Athena Swan Governance Committee (ASGC) we have drafted high-level award criteria supported and underpinned by defined and transparent expectations. Introducing more explicit award expectations – that are still flexible to applicant context – will provide useful clarity and direction to applicants, helping them to streamline their approach, while providing transparency relating to the assessment process.

One of the central tenets to our transformation work is ensuring that our members have the opportunity to engage with and input to the development of the Athena Swan Charter in the UK. With this in mind, we are publishing the draft award criteria and expectations and will seek feedback through the engagement events taking place during February 2021.

This is the first time that it has been attempted to define more granular requirements relating to the award criteria and we are keen that this development is informed by the voices of our stakeholders across the UK sector.

Please note the information shared is in draft and should not be used for any purpose other than informing the feedback and discussions of the engagement events. The feedback received on the draft award criteria and expectations will be collated and considered by the ASGC as they work to develop a final version.