Athena Swan within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Championing and supporting a culture of participation and inclusivity
Engineering. Getty Images
The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (SECaM) aims to champion and support a culture of participation and inclusivity, and to communicate and raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion. In September 2024 the School proudly achieved a Silver Athena Swan award recognising our efforts and successes, but also our commitment to continue to address inequalities and to ensure that all members of the School feel safe, included and supported.
Our Athena Swan Self-Assessment team (SAT) discusses, implements, promotes and monitors school level actions aimed at improving the working and learning environment for academics, professional services staff and students.
For further information about our Athena Swan work, please contact the SECaM EDI Lead, Dr Yinghui Wei .
Athena Swan Silver award, repositioned

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
SECaM EDI Lead

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 School

Key priorities

Since achieving our Bronze award in 2020, our school has demonstrated evidence of success in:
  • 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.
  • The School prides itself on being the first in the University to have a student EDI committee that is run by students for students promoting EDI engagement. 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.
Now under our 5-year action plan (2024-2029) we will focus on our key priorities:
  • Boosting student recruitment, EDI engagement and progression
  • Enhancing staff recruitment, development and progression
  • Improving academic workload management
  • Supporting the development of our Professional, Technical and Operational (PTO) staff
  • Enhancing an inclusive organisational culture
 
 

2024 Athena Swan Silver submission self-assessment team

Yinghui Wei (Chair), Alex Belton, John Eales, Emily Bradley, Mara Wolf, Jools Taylor, Keri Collins, Anna Fisker Hansen, Asiya Khan, Matthew Craven, Elena Brake, Abidemi Biodun-Oladoye, Yeaw Chu Lee, Dena Bazazian, Stephanie Riley, Hai-Van Dang, Vivek Francis.

Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team

 
 

Student case study: Elena Brake

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.
Elena Brake, engineering student
This led to me getting involved in promoting EDI initiatives, for example by co-chairing the Student EDI Committee for SECaM and organising a celebration event for International Women’s Day 2024, which was well-attended by both students and staff from the department.
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.
 
 
 

More EDI resources from the University of Plymouth