National award highlights University’s commitment to gender equality

The University of Plymouth has earned a Silver Athena Swan Award
Getty images 836643116 gender equality
The University of Plymouth has been recognised for its dedication to gender equality with a Silver Athena Swan Award.
Run by Advance HE, the Athena Swan Charter is a framework used worldwide to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.
It’s the first time that the University has received a silver award and it is one of a select number of UK universities to achieve it.
Originally launched to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), the Athena Swan Charter is now used to address 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.
Many areas of the University’s submission were celebrated, but especially those that had an impact across the whole institution and on the wider sector.
Athena SWAN Silver Award logo

Among the highlights of the submission were:

We are absolutely delighted to have received an Athena Swan Silver Award. The University is proud of its welcoming culture and is continuing its work to strive for equality for all.

Athena Swan isn’t about having all the answers to equality issues, but it recognises institutions that demonstrate their commitment to identifying and addressing them. We are really proud of the work that we’re doing and the initiatives that have evolved across our institution. 
The key thing now is to look ahead at implementing our action plan; it’s not just about celebrating what we’ve already got, but looking at how we can make it even better.

Helen WatsonDr Helen Watson
Co-chair of the University’s Athena Swan committee

The key components of our University strategy are ‘quality’ – ensuring excellence; ‘sustainability’ – ensuring everything is made to last; and ‘one team’ – bringing everyone together.

The work that’s happened to achieve this Athena Swan award exemplifies all three and is inspirational for us all. 
A huge amount of work has gone into this submission, so I’m really grateful to everyone involved.

Chris BennewithProfessor Chris Bennewith
Co-chair of the University’s Athena Swan committee

Equality, diversity and inclusion

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