“I feel included and valued”

The University’s School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics celebrates its Silver Athena Swan award
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Silver Athena Swan Award

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (SECaM) at the University of Plymouth has received a national award for its commitment to equality.
The School has received a Silver Award from the Athena Swan Charter – a framework used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education.
The mark follows the University's institutional Silver Award, which was received earlier this year, and demonstrates the progress made since SECaM’s previous bronze award in 2020.

Making a difference to students

One of the many areas that SECaM was celebrated for was its commitment to student Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) engagement, which includes the setup of its EDI student committee, run by students for students.
The committee is the first of its kind in the University, and co-chair and Mechanical Engineering student, Elena Brake, explains why the award matters so much.
Elena Brake, engineering student

EDI is so important to me. As a disabled woman studying Mechanical Engineering, I realised early on in my degree that I wanted to use my position to support other people.

This was deeply meaningful to me because I strongly believe that everyone should feel a sense of belonging. 
Regardless of their background, everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue a career in STEM, to feel welcomed, and to have their unique perspectives recognised and valued. 
Personally, I face daily challenges related to my disability, and a strong commitment to EDI has made a world of difference in my experience.

Discovering that EDI is taken so seriously within SECaM at the University of Plymouth, thanks to a team of wonderful and caring individuals, has helped me feel included and valued.

From the very beginning of my studies, I’ve been empowered to contribute fully. I’ve had many opportunities to provide feedback, which has been actively listened to and acted upon. I’ve also been encouraged to support others who benefit from EDI initiatives. 
Ultimately, I feel a strong sense of belonging here and I am so proud of SECaM for achieving the extremely well-deserved Athena Swan Silver award.
Elena Brake, Mechanical Engineering student and co-chair of the SECaM student EDI committee

Making a difference to staff

Other areas commended within the award submission included:
  • The School’s leadership structure now better reflects its focus on EDI, which enables it to embed EDI priorities in decision making. Both the EDI committee and the Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team are chaired by a member of the School's Senior Leadership Team.
  • Recognising the important role technicians play in supporting students, SECaM was the first School at the University to invite technical staff to attend graduation ceremonies alongside academic staff.
  • SECaM also runs activities to build impact through external engagement, including diversity events and projects funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the London Mathematical Society – read about the Neurodiversity toolkit , the mentoring programme for future women STEM graduates in Africa, and the London Mathematical Society Women in Mathematics Day.

I am delighted to have led the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics’ Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team and the application for this Silver award.

The award is a recognition of our years of efforts in implementing our previous bronze action plan as well as undertaking initiatives to make EDI a key part of the School’s strategy. 
I am grateful for all the support that we have received in helping us make progress with this important agenda and achieving this award. As we move forward, we aim to be a beacon for equality, diversity and inclusion through the implementation of our silver action plan. 

Yinghui WeiDr Yinghui Wei
Chair of the SECaM EDI committee and Athena Swan Self-Assessment team

This award demonstrates the School’s commitment to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for all of its members and so enable everyone to reach their potential and contribute in full.

It is an important milestone on our journey and it emphasises our dedication to a culture that celebrates diversity, fosters respect and encourages teamwork. 

Alex BeltonProfessor Alex Belton
Head of the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

The School has made real progress in raising awareness of EDI principles and in addressing issues impacting our staff and students.

We now have a strong action plan for the next five years and a dedicated team to make more changes happen. The silver award recognises our efforts and successes, but also our commitment to continue to address gender inequalities and to ensure that all members of the School feel safe, included and supported. I am proud to be part of this journey. 

Emily BradleyMiss Emily Bradley
Senior Administrator (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Our disciplines provide a vibrant inter-disciplinary and collaborative environment dedicated towards producing graduates with the necessary applied knowledge and skills to meet demands of employers today and tomorrow.
Advanced Engineering Design