What is Athena SWAN?

The Athena SWAN Charter was developed in conjunction with the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) to advance the representation of women in STEM disciplines in higher education and research. The Charter was launched in June 2005, it recognises and celebrates good employment practice in the recruitment, retention and promotion of women in STEM. Submission are made in November and April, and awards are given for 3 years.

What is WMG Doing?

Working with the Charter is helping the University to identify and follow best practice. The main areas in which good practice can make a difference are:

• Student and Alumni Profiles
• Our Progress so far:
  • Promotional Briefing Sessions
  • Researcher Breakfast Briefing
  • Return to Work Support
  • Career Development Support
  • Star Awards
• Events
• Supporting Women in STEM
• Special Self-Assessment Group

About ECU’s Athena SWAN Charter

The Athena SWAN Charter is based on ten key principles. By being part of Athena SWAN, institutions are committing to a progressive charter; adopting these principles within their policies, practices, action plans and culture.

1. We acknowledge that academia cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of all

2. We commit to advancing gender equality in academia, in particular, addressing the loss of women across the career pipeline and the absence of women from senior academic, professional and support roles

3. We commit to addressing unequal gender representation across academic disciplines and professional and support functions. In this we recognise disciplinary differences including:

The relative underrepresentation of women in senior roles in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL)The particularly high loss rate of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM)

4. We commit to tackling the gender pay gap

5. 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

6. We commit to addressing the negative consequences of using short-term contracts for the retention and progression of staff in academia, particularly women

7. We commit to tackling the discriminatory treatment often experienced by trans people

8. 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

9. 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

10. All individuals have identities shaped by several different factors. We commit to considering the intersection of gender and other factors wherever possible

WMG currently holds a department Bronze Award from Athena Swan.

Details about the Charter are described on the University’s Athena SWAN page.

The University holds a Silver Award and is actively encouraging all Schools and Departments to apply for departmental awards.

WMG submitted its application for a Bronze Award  in October 2013.

For further information about WMG’s Athena SWAN activities, please contact Richard dot Moffatt at warwick dot ac dot uk