The University is delighted to announce that it has achieved a Silver Athena SWAN award in the latest submissions round.
The Athena SWAN Charter, which was launched in June 2005, was first implemented to advance the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM). In 2015, the charter was expanded to also include arts, humanities, social science, business and law (AHSSBL) disciplines as well as professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students.
Professor Sarah Vickerstaff (School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research), who was the academic lead for Kent’s submission, said: ‘We are delighted to have secured Athena SWAN Silver, which is a reflection both of the hard work of the project team and of the broader commitment across the University to inclusivity and equality. We are proud of this award and we are now looking forward to fully implementing our Silver Action Plan. Awards like this are a call to action what matters most is how we take this forward, as individuals and as an institution.’
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Strategy, Planning, and Performance, added: ‘This is a fantastic achievement for Kent, and I extend my thanks and appreciation to everyone who has contributed to changing the culture, approach and processes at the University. In particular, thank you to the team who have invested in this application and especially to Professor Sarah Vickerstaff who has pioneered this work consistently and enthusiastically as the Athena Swan lead. I am looking forward to collaborating with colleagues to embed the action plans to deliver on our ambitions for equality, diversity and inclusivity at Kent.’
By being part of Athena Swan, Kent is committing to a progressive charter, adopting the principles of Athena SWAN within University policies, practices, action plans and culture.
The University achieved its first institutional Athena SWAN Bronze award in April 2014, and renewed it in 2018. It is continuing to establish policies and practices which will create a better working environment for all staff.
Further information about Athena SWAN at Kent is available here.