The university has held bronze status since 2011 and following this silver award, it is now eligible to apply for the top gold rating

University of Exeter wins gender equality award

The University of Exeter has won an Athena SWAN silver award for the advancement of gender equality.

Silver awards recognise institutions with a “significant record of activity and achievement” in promoting gender equality and addressing challenges across different disciplines.

Athena SWAN assessors noted the university’s extremely positive work in terms of provision for working parents and carers.

The university has held bronze status since 2011 and following this silver award, it is now eligible to apply for the top gold rating.

The Athena SWAN Charter is based on ten key principles set out to promote gender equality in academic institutions.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “I’m delighted that the University of Exeter has received an Athena SWAN silver award in recognition of our extensive work to promote gender equality.

“Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do, so I am incredibly proud of this success.

“We are determined to go even further to make our culture more inclusive, and have already started working on the actions we have committed to as part of our silver award.”

As well as recognition for entire institutions, individual departments can hold Athena SWAN awards.

All nine of the University of Exeter’s science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) departments now hold departmental awards – with seven of these now being silver.

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in STEMM employment in higher education and research.

In May 2015, the charter was expanded to recognise work in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law, and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students.

The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

Date: 25 October 2018