The School of Psychology has become the first School at the University to be awarded an Athena SWAN Charter Silver award, in recognition of its ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality.
Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Charter is a framework that is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research.
As a University, we are proud of our longstanding commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusivity. As part of this commitment we have been working hard to adopt and embed the ten Athena Swan principles within our policies, procedures, and culture. The institution has held a Bronze award since 2012 and in 2018 became one of the few Universities to hold an Athena Swan Bronze award in all Schools.
The School of Psychology has been at the forefront of our Athena SWAN efforts, becoming the first School in the University to receive a Bronze award in 2016. The Silver award recognises the actions the School has taken to address previously identified challenges and the positive impact these actions have had on increasing gender equality. The assessment panel particularly praised the impact the School’s actions had in supporting and advancing women’s careers.
Dr Doug Martin, who led the School’s Silver award application, said: “The Silver award reflects a sustained School-wide commitment, with staff and students all playing a part to help improve our culture. We are also indebted to the University Athena Swan Co-ordinator, Dr Maria-Grazia Cascio, and the Human Resources Specialist Team, who have supported our work throughout.”
School of Psychology Head of School, Professor Arash Sahraie, said: “Increasing gender equality is a strategic priority of our School. It is embedded in our day-to-day running, the development of our long-term plans, and in the allocation of resources. I am proud that our School’s commitment has been recognised with this award.”
University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor George Boyne, said: “Equality is integral to our University’s foundational purpose of being ‘open to all’ and I am delighted that the School of Psychology has received a Silver award to recognise its ongoing commitment and actions to achieve gender equality.
“I send my warmest congratulations to the staff at the School and all other staff who have contributed to this outstanding achievement”.
Inclusive is at the core of the University’s Strategic Plan, Aberdeen 2040, and there are now in place robust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which were designed to accelerate and steer the promotion of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion across the University.
To find out more about Equality and Diversity at the University of Aberdeen, please click here