Close

Athena Swan and Gender Equality

Oxford Brookes University has a strong track record in advancing gender equality and the University has been 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.

Our current insitutional Bronze award recognises the University’s work to further gender equality, representation and progression across all disciplines and roles.

Athena SWAN bronze logo

“At Oxford Brookes, women hold two thirds of senior academic positions, and 50% of our professors are female, compared to a sector average of 32%. (2024 figures)”

“Oxford Brookes takes its role in ensuring gender equality very seriously and seeks to foster an environment in which everyone can thrive.”

About the Athena Swan Charter

Our University Athena Swan Gender Equality Action Plan provides the framework for our gender equality priorities in support of our EDI Strategy and our University Strategy. 

The plan forms the institutional Gender Equality Plan (GEP) to address the European Commission mandatory requirements and recommended thematic content, along with the requirements of the Athena Swan Charter.  

Our Athena Swan Gender Equality work is overseen by the University Gender Equality Steering Group reporting to the Vice-Chancellor’s Group via the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group. 

Further information on the Athena Swan Charter is available on the Advance HE Athena Swan website.

For Athena Swan and gender equality queries contact the EDI Team: Jane Butcher jane.butcher@brookes.ac.uk

Useful links

Athena Swan Gender Equality Action Plan

Aurora: women in HE leadership programme