Athena SWAN
RDM fully supports the Athena SWAN initiative. Our aim is to ensure that RDM is a happy and rewarding environment, where all staff and students are supported to achieve their full potential.
WHAT IS ATHENA SWAN?
Athena SWAN is a UK-wide initiative set up in 2005 to promote gender equality and advance the representation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM). It evolved from the work of the Athena Project and the Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN), which resulted in the development of the Athena SWAN Charter, supported by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU).
In May 2015, the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law, and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
ATHENA SWAN IN RDM
RDM was awarded a Silver Athena SWAN award in April 2016 and again in 2019.
These Silver awards are in recognition that we are working on a number of fronts to improve recruitment, induction, career development, support for carers, and creating a supportive, friendly and open workplace culture. Our focus is to make RDM an exceptional place to work.
RDM commits to the 10 key principles of the Athena SWAN charter.
Athena SWAN News
Athena SWAN the single most comprehensive gender equality scheme in Europe
20 February 2020
RDM study finds that the scheme tackles multiple factors more comprehensively than other initiatives.
RDM Athena SWAN Silver Success
10 October 2019
Dr Katharine Owen wins Public Engagement with Research leadership award
1 October 2019
Dr Owen one of seven leaders across the whole University
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Martin Phelps
What is happening next?
We are delivering the RDM Silver Application Action Plan, which requires input from a large number of people across RDM, including the Head of Department, the Athena SWAN Facilitator, the RDM Athena SWAN Steering Group (ASSG), the Self-Assessment Team (SATs) and RDM and local admin teams.
How can I get involved?
We value your opinions, ideas and feedback. You can let us know how we are doing through the staff and student surveys (summary results here) or by participating in focus groups. Please get in touch with the RDM Athena SWAN self-assessment team for further details, or email charlotte.smith@rdm.ox.ac.uk.
Athena SWAN Resources
Find out more about resources across the University.