A record rate of higher education institutions and departments in the UK have successfully applied for Athena Swan in the latest round of new awards and renewals.
At 82%, it is the highest success rate in almost a decade, with 75 out 91 applications achieving an award. Two new Golds, 18 Silver and 55 Bronze recipients are awarded in the April 2020 round.
The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen's University Belfast and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH) both achieved departmental Gold awards, with GOS ICH commended for its response to Covid-19.
Birkbeck University of London, Cranfield University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Huddersfield all successfully renewed their institutional Bronze awards.
Congratulations to all awardees, who have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to gender equality, even in the face of the global pandemic. It is vital that we keep up the momentum in enhancing gender equality across the sector, and these awards evidence that effort.
“At Advance HE, we are determined to support our members to overcome the challenges to gender equality. We are working hard to ensure the Athena Swan Charter is even stronger and fit for the future.”
Dani Glazzard, Head of Athena Swan at Advance HE
View the full list of Athena Swan award recipients in the April 2020 round
Due to restrictions in place for Covid-19, assessment panels for this round moved online which enabled better accessibility and a more diverse range of panellists, making discussions more focused. Based on the positive feedback received from panellists, the Athena Swan team is looking to make this a permanent change to the assessment rounds.
In line with recommendations from the Independent Review Steering Group, all awards from this round have been awarded for five years, one year longer than previously.
An online ‘Enhancing Practice’ event for Athena Swan participants is taking place on 19 November looking at the impact of Covid-19 on gender equality in the higher education and research sector. Speakers from Athena Swan accredited departments, universities and research institutes will share how they are supporting colleagues through the pandemic. Book a place at this online event
We recently announced and welcomed members of the new Athena Swan Governance Committee, which has been formed to provide assurance, expert advice and guidance to the Advance HE Board on matters relating to the transformation and ongoing enhancement of the Athena Swan Charter in the UK.
We are now seeking expressions of interest for the remaining committee members and our short-life sub-groups. Find out more
Find out more about Advance HE's Equality Charters