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Under the Athena Swan Charter framework, ����ֱ�� is part of a global community with a shared goal of embedding inclusive cultures in higher education and research.  

This accreditation, conferred in February 2025, endorses the University’s continued dedication to fostering gender parity and endorses its action plan for further progress over the next five years.  

����ֱ�� first earned an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2013, successfully renewing it in 2017. Following a sector-wide transformation of the UK Athena Swan Charter in 2020, driven by an Independent Review and industry consultation, 2025 marks ����ֱ��’s first application under the updated framework. 

Originally established to support women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine, the Charter now champions equality across all disciplines, and seeks to address the inclusion of students, professional staff, trans people and the underrepresentation of men where appropriate. 

Since ����ֱ��’s last award in 2017, progress has included the implementation of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Culture Review, the development of Menopause Guidelines, the introduction of several sector-leading enhancements to special leave policies and the launch of the ‘Report and Support’ tool for staff and students to report various forms of harassment and violence. 

These initiatives, among many others, have contributed to the advancement of gender parity in many areas across the University. This upholds ����ֱ��’s reputation as a champion of equality since its establishment. 

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice Chancellor of ����ֱ��, said: “����ֱ�� has a long and proud history of advancing gender parity through the education and employment of women.  

“Founded in 1875, the institution that ultimately became ����ֱ�� provided education for working class women at a time when society made that particularly challenging. Society, and the institution, have evolved significantly but this original commitment to making education open to all still inspires us and drives our commitment to the Athena Swan principles.  

“In May 2020, ����ֱ�� published its revised Strategy Plan, which continued to reflect the University’s established commitment to, amongst other things, promoting inclusiveness, equality, diversity, respect, a sense of community, and ensuring opportunities and access are open to all on a fair basis. This, along with our incredible Equality & Diversity Initiatives and the outstanding work of the Self-Assessment Team here at ����ֱ��, have ensured the achievement of this award.” 

As well as recognising achievements, the rigorous Athena Swan self-assessment process helped ����ֱ�� to identify institutional challenges, which have informed six new gender equality priorities for the University to address over the next five years. 

"The Athena Swan endorsement allows us to continue making good strides over the coming years, building on our strengths and addressing areas of weakness. There is still much to be done, but our commitment has ensured that we continue to strengthen our work and make progress in this highly important area."

����ֱ��’s Self-Assessment Team will now monitor the delivery of the action plan and will provide regular updates of progress over the next five years. 

For more information on our Athena Swan work, ����ֱ��’s submission and action plan will soon be published on our website. 

To find out more about the Athena Swan Charter, visit