Athena SWAN

The Athena SWAN Charter recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) in higher education and research.

Higher Education and Research institutions can apply for Bronze, Silver or Gold SWAN awards, to recognise their commitment to the recruitment, promotion and retention of women in SET. This can help Universities fulfil their gender duty commitments, work towards sustaining equitable working environments and enable them to identify themselves as employers of choice, not only to their staff, but to students, funders, research councils and industry. Athena SWAN is jointly owned by the Equality Challenge Unit and the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET (UKRC).  

For further information, see Athena SWAN: Charter for Women in Science.

The University of Sheffield applied for and successfully gained a Bronze Award in August 2009, which recognised our commitment to the career development of women across Science, Engineering, Medicine Dentistry & Health (SETM). This award is due for renewal in November 2012, and we have been working with our Self-Assessment Team drawn from across the University in preparation for this submission. The Self-Asssessment Team is chaired by PVC for Science Professor Tony Ryan and comprises female and male Heads of Department, Professors, and Academic and Professional Services staff from various grades across both SETM and the wider University. The group is considering data, reviewing progress against the 2009 Action Plan and consulting with stakeholders across the University to construct a future based action plan to further our commitment to women in SETM.

In addition to the University award, departments can also gain Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards reflecting their own commitment to the development and progression of women. Our departments across SETM are currently working to develop their submissions, which involves setting up a Self-Assessment Team to reflect on quantitative data, gathering qualitative data in the department through focus groups and one-to-ones, and writing an action plan covering the next 3 years.

Follow our progress on Twitter @AthenaSwanTUoS (https://twitter.com/AthenaSwanTUoS)