Commitment to Gender Equality Recognised

The University of Suffolk’s commitment to gender equality has been recognised with an Athena Swan bronze award.

This was the university’s first submission to Athena Swan which is a framework used globally to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research.

Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research said: “As a university we are delighted to have achieved our first institutional Bronze Athena Swan award.

“The University of Suffolk has robustly maintained its commitment to gender equality, and we are very proud of the significant achievements we have made since gaining our independence in 2016.”

Key priority areas were identified ahead of submission by the university’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee (EDIC) which is chaired by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammad Dastbaz.

These priorities included addressing inequalities across the institution at all levels, identifying further opportunities to develop and promote a culture of inclusion and belonging, and supporting diverse gender identities.

Professor Bond added: “Having been successful, our work is now really just starting as we begin to deliver, monitor and evaluation our action plan.

“We have a five-year journey ahead of us and a lot of learning to do but we are delighted with our success to date and look forward to building on this strong foundation as we start our Athena Swan journey with our sights firmly set on achieving Silver in five years’ time.

The Athena Swan panel which judged the university’s submission commended its focus on the careers and experiences of professional staff and the development of comprehensive actions to address gender inequalities.

To read more about the award go to Celebrating Athena Swan Bronze success at University of Suffolk | Advance HE (advance-he.ac.uk)