Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Athena SWAN

Recognising the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.

Dr Laura Winchester, Athena Swan lead for the Department, speaking at a meeting of the People and Culture Committee. © Department of Psychiatry/Stuart Gillespie
Athena Swan lead Laura Winchester (centre) talking to members of the People and Culture Committee

Athena SWAN Silver Award 

Our department is committed to the advancement of equality, diversity and inclusion and the principles of Athena SWAN are embedded throughout the culture of the Department. Our Athena SWAN Silver award was renewed in March 2024, in recognition of the impact of our work driving forward the development and implementation of practical steps towards the advancement of gender equality and inclusion.  

The self-assessment process and feedback from departmental staff and students has led to many changes in the way the department operates over recent years, including:

  • Restructuring Department communications 
  • The promotion of more women to senior posts in the Department, including Professorships and Chairs
  • Establishing a Staff Development Fund to provide additional funding for staff training
  • Improving department inductions
  • Increasing support for researchers applying for funding
  • Introducing Bullying and Harassment Advisors
  • Broadening the focus of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work
  • Running regular career development seminars for Professional and Support Staff and Early Career Researchers

Athena SWAN Charter

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to the advancement of women's careers in science, engineering and technology subjects in academia.  Athena SWAN awards celebrate good practice in the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in higher education institutions and their individual departments. 

Recently, the charter was transformed to cover women (and men where appropriate) in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students in relation to their representation, progression of students into academia, journey through career milestones, working environment for all staff.

Promoting Athena SWAN activities in the Department 

The Department's Athena Swan lead, Laura Winchester, works closely with the People and Culture committee to promote gender equality issues within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion frameworks.

We keep staff and students updated on the progress of the Athena SWAN process via presentations at the departmental away day and as part of the Research Meeting programme, by email and website updates, and at the weekly Head of Department briefing.  We encourage staff and students to become involved in the process and welcome feedback and ideas at any time. 

 

Supporting information 

Our Department is the recipient of a Silver Athena Swan award. Details of this can be found below:

Download our Athena SWAN Silver Application here (March 2024)

Download our current Athena SWAN Action Plan here (July 2024)

On this page

In this section