The Department of Social Policy and Intervention (DSPI) has been recognised for its dedication to gender equality with a Bronze Athena Swan Award.
Run by Advance HE, the Athena Swan Charter is a framework used worldwide to support and transform gender equality in higher education (HE) and research. DPSI has received a bronze award for the first time and is among the select few departments to have received the honour.
Many areas of the department's submission were celebrated; Professor Jane Barlow said, "I am delighted that our Athena Swan submission for the Bronze Award has been successful. I want to say a very big thank you to our project lead Karl Eligado. We have set ambitious goals for the next five years, and I'm confident this agenda will strengthen our department in many ways. The key drivers for the Bronze Athena Swan Award include initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in recruitment and career progression, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, and implementing policies to address gender pay gaps and work-life balance issues."
Originally launched to encourage and recognise the commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM), the Athena Swan Charter now addresses gender equality more broadly and not just barriers to progression that affect women. It has also been expanded to cover students and staff from all disciplines, including professional services, and ensure that applicants consider intersectional issues, such as race, disability and sexual orientation. Â
