Athena Swan (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) is AdvanceHE’s recognised charter mark that is dedicated to improving gender equality.
The charter was initially focussed on advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. In recent years, this has been expanded to include non-STEM departments including arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and law, and members of the wider HE and research communities such as professional and support staff.
Sheffield Hallam University has held a Bronze Award from Athena Swan since 2010, having first signed up to the charter in 2008.
Chief People Officer and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Dr Sally Jackson, said:
“I’m delighted that our institutional Athena Swan Bronze Award has been renewed. This charter recognises the University’s continued commitment to improving gender equality for all.
“There is, of course, still more progress that can be made. Our aim is to address all gender inequalities in a meaningful way such as further reducing our pay gap, improving career progression and ensuring that all students and staff have a positive experience while at the University.”
Notable achievements include:
• An increase in female staff submitting to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2021 compared with 2014 - a rise from 41% to 47%.
• An increase in female Professors - 44% of Professors at Hallam are female, compared to the sector average of 28%.
• The expansion of support for female staff with the introduction of the Menopause Network, the Parents and Carers Network and the Infertility & Baby Loss support group.
Find out more about the University’s commitment to equality and diversity.
