The School of Social Science has received an Athena SWAN Silver award for its work progressing gender equality.
The School’s successful application was led by Dr Kathrin Thomas and Dr Arnar Arnason within the School, who worked closely with staff and students within the School’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee to complete the self-assessment, gather and analyse evidence from different kinds of quantitative and qualitative data sources.
The Silver Award recognises achievements and demonstration of progress and success in the implementation of the previous action plan.
“We are delighted to be awarded the Athena SWAN Silver Award. It emphasises the School’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. However, we also acknowledge that continuous efforts are necessary to strengthen and maintain these values for staff and students alike." Dr Kathrin Thomas
Head of School, Prof. Ian Greener added: “This is a really significant achievement for the School. I value the opportunity to implement an action plan that addresses the challenges that the School still has to face. The Athena SWAN Team has been a hugely valuable part of the process of moving the School forward. My aim in the next years is to foster an inclusive and forward-looking culture in which colleagues can be supported in their career aspirations. We still have a great deal more work to do, but the application here has provided us with impetus and data to move forward, and for that I am extremely grateful.”
Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to the advancement of gender equality in academic, professional and support roles, through departments and institutions taking action to identify and overcome barriers to career progression for all.
Social Science is the fourth School at the University to hold an Athena Swan Silver award, Silver awards are also held by School of Psychology, Biological Sciences and Education