Athena Swan

Athena Swan Charter

Athena Swan Charter

The Equality Challenge Unit’s Athena Swan Charter recognises work undertaken to address gender equality in higher education.

In supporting the Athena Swan Charter, the University has signed up to the 10 key principles:

  • we acknowledge that academia cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of all
  • we commit to advancing gender equality in academia
  • we commit to addressing unequal gender representation across academic disciplines and professional support functions
  • we commit to tackling the gender pay gap
  • we commit to removing the obstacles faced by women, in particular at major points of career development and progression including the transition from PhD into a sustainable academic career
  • we commit to addressing the negative consequences of using short-term contracts for the retention and progression of staff in academia, particularly women
  • we commit to tackling the discriminatory treatment often experienced by trans people
  • we acknowledge that advancing gender equality demands commitment and action from all levels of the organisation, and in particular, active leadership from those in senior roles
  • we commit to making and mainstreaming sustainable structural and cultural changes to advance gender equality, recognising that initiatives and actions that support individuals alone will not sufficiently advance equality
  • all individuals have identities shaped by several different factors. We commit to considering the intersection of gender and other factors wherever possible
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