Oxford Brookes has engaged with the Athena Swan Charter since 2009 achieving a first Bronze award in 2013.
In 2016 the University became one of the first five UK universities to achieve an institutional award under the new Athena Swan Charter.
The current Bronze award recognises the University’s work to advance gender equality, representation and progression across all disciplines and roles.
In 2015, the Athena Swan Charter and Gender Equality Charter Marks merged, and the charter was expanded beyond STEMM subjects to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law, in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students.
The Athena Swan Charter is led by Advance HE. The Charter was originally established in 2005, and led by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. Oxford Brookes held a Bronze Athena SWAN award under the original charter from 2013.
All University faculties are actively engaged with the Athena Swan Charter. The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences achieved a departmental Athena Swan Silver Award in 2015 which was renewed in April 2018.
The Faculty of Technology Design and Environment and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences hold Bronze awards. The Oxford Brookes Business School (intranet site) is undertaking self-assessment to submit for a Bronze award.
The Athena Swan Steering Group, led by Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Global Partnerships, Professor Linda King, provides oversight for the implementation of Athena Swan and gender equality across the University.
Oxford Brookes takes its role in ensuring gender equality very seriously and seeks to foster an environment in which everyone can thrive.
Professor Linda King, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Global Partnerships
Further information on the Athena Swan Charter is available on the Advance HE Athena Swan website.
Key Athena Swan contacts at Oxford Brookes: