Athena Swan

The School of Education and Social work is committed to understanding and acting on how gender shapes our policy, practices, and culture.

We are in the process of applying for an Athena Swan charter. This is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research Our application for Athena Swan is being led by the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) Co-Directors Dr Emily Danvers and Dr Jessica Beck and supported by a wider Self-Assessment Team of Academic and Professional Services staff from across Education and Social Work. Currently we are analysing results from our Staff Survey and working towards a draft of an Action Plan. Please contact Emily or Jessica for further information or to get involved.

Gender Inclusive Practice in the School of Education and Social Work

Some examples of good practice in our School include:

Supporting Flexible Working
Flexible working is valued in our School as a strategy to help reduce gender pay gaps, support those with caring responsibilities, assist those with disabilities and impairments and improve work-life balance and wellbeing.
Inclusive Recruitment
All interviews for academic and professional services roles in the School include a question on candidate’s commitment to EDI. This is to ensure all new colleagues share our vision and commitment for inclusion.
Inclusive Progression
All academic and professional staff appraisals include a section for staff to mention the impact of EDI on their work practices, as well as a section to include the work they do to further EDI agendas in their role. This ensures EDI concerns are supported and rewarded for all staff.
EDI on the Agenda
All core committees in the school have ‘equality, diversity and inclusion’ as a standing agenda item. This ensures EDI is embedded in all elements of School activity.