What is Athena SWAN?

Recognising and celebrating good practice towards the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all.

What is Athena SWAN

• The Athena SWAN charter of the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).
• In May 2015 the charter was expanded to also recognise work undertaken in other subject areas including arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law, as well as in professional and support roles.

Surgery and Cancer and Athena SWAN

• September 2013 - Surgery and Cancer formed an Academic Opportunities Committee (AOC) 
• September 2014 - Awarded a Departmental Athena SWAN Bronze
• December 2015 - Submitted our Silver application (unsuccessful)
• March 2016 - Academic Opportunities Committee changed its name to Committee for the Promotion of People and Culture to reflect change in Athena SWAN charter
• Currently implementing our action plan and working towards silver application in November 2018
  

What we're trying to achieve?

• A fairer working environment for everyone in the Department; men, women, support, technical and academic staff
• Better communications to highlight achievements and share relevant events and initiatives 
• Educating managers on their responsibilities 
• Encourage and coach our staff to reach their goals

How are we doing this?

• Holding dedicated staff days and surveys to gauge opinions and using the outcomes of these to develop new initiatives 
• Implementing our action plan
• Sharing achievements along with relevant training opportunities through the Departmental blog and twitter 
• Redesigning the Departmental website to make information more readily available and easier to find, as well as showcasing and promoting everything we do to a wider audience
• Having annual Departmental meetings to share developments and issues 
• Developing tools to help support our staff