Equality and diversity

The Equality Challenge Unit’s Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.

Three Dental School staff members receive the Athena Swan award.

In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. The University of Sheffield is a member of the Charter, currently holding an Athena SWAN Bronze award which acknowledges the University-wide commitment to good practice in these areas.

In order to extend this commitment to an equitable working environment, departments across STEMM at the university have also been awarded Athena SWAN awards. The School of Clinical Dentistry was awarded a Bronze Athena SWAN award in  April 2014. The School embraces the Athena SWAN Charter and believes in equity and fairness for all and includes staff at all levels, full-time or part-time, in decision-making processes and the running of the School.


The whole School is immensely proud of our Bronze Award and our current goal of Silver as it demonstrates how much much we value equality and diversity.

Chris Deery

Dean of School and Member of Self-Assessment Team


We are committed to promoting women, work-life balance and fully participate in a range of University initiatives including:


Athena SWAN Self Assessment Team (SAT)

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.