Athena SWAN and Gender Equality Plan

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Making positive changes towards gender equality

Athena Swan Charter

The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

Athena SWAN Bronze Award

Athena Swan Principles

In committing to the principles of the Athena Swan Charter, we recognise that we join a global community with a shared goal of addressing gender inequalities and embedding inclusive cultures. Each institution, research institute, department and directorate has different gender equality challenges and development priorities. These priorities should be developed based on an understanding of the local evidence-base and national and global gender equality issues. In determining our priorities and interventions, we commit to:

  1. Adopting robust, transparent and accountable processes for gender equality work, including:

    • embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in our culture, decision-making and partnerships, and holding ourselves and others in our institution/institute/department/directorate accountable
    • undertaking evidence-based, transparent self-assessment processes to direct our priorities and interventions for gender equality, and evaluating our progress to inform our continuous development
    • ensuring that gender equality work is distributed appropriately, is recognised and properly rewarded
  2. Addressing structural inequalities and social injustices that manifest as differential experiences and outcomes for staff and students.

  3. Tackling behaviours and cultures that detract from the safety and collegiality of our work and study environments for people of all genders, including not tolerating gender-based violence, discrimination, bullying, harassment or exploitation.

  4. Understanding and addressing intersectional inequalities.

  5. Fostering collective understanding that individuals have the right to determine their own gender identity, and tackling the specific issues faced by trans and non-binary people because of their identity.

  6. Examining gendered occupational segregation, and elevating the status, voice and career opportunities of any identified under-valued and at-risk groups.

  7. Mitigating the gendered impact of caring responsibilities and career breaks, and supporting flexibility and the maintenance of a healthy ‘whole life balance’.

  8. Mitigating the gendered impact of short-term and casual contracts for staff seeking sustainable careers.

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Image of students in the refectory having food from the Chicken Shack
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Our commitment to the UK Athena Swan Principles

Advance HE Certificate

I am delighted to be chairing the work towards the Athena Swan Charter which recognises good practice in gender equality within higher education. We have had the award since 2017 and it demonstrates our commitment that everyone has the same access to opportunities to develop and progress. It’s a really important area and we still have work to do but are making great progress.

At Leeds Beckett we have been working hard to review our internal data, engage with our community to assess our culture and review our policies; all contributing to producing a robust set of actions for us to work towards. Our evidence and our action plan have contributed towards Leeds Becketts accreditation of bronze award 2022 and these will be published here soon.

Please note that some details in the Application and Action Plan have been redacted to protect the identity of colleagues involved in their creation.

This charter work continues to be led by our Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team, chaired by Professor Cathy Barnes (Director of Research & Enterprise).

To find out more about the Athena Swan Charter visit Advance HE.

Any further information about the Athena Swan Charter, please contact the Equality and Inclusion Team via equality@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

Get in touch with the Equality and Inclusion Team