In the past few months we have been working across the school Athena SWAN teams, and with senior Equality and Diversity leads to drive awareness of Athena SWAN issues and plan for ambitious actions that aim to make a cultural change in operations and attitudes within the University.

University Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Dr Rachel Cowen and HR Engagement and Policy Manager – Gemma Dale, have been lobbying at an institutional level to cultivate an ethos that is supportive of diversity in the workplace and adaptable working practises. HR have developed an number of online resources for staff and line managers on how best to approach the demands of the changing workplace, we would particularly recommend the bite-sized podcasts. If you haven’t seen the updated HR website and the wide range of new Mangers Essentials material it’s well worth a browse.

This month the three schools across FBMH met with Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer – Patrick Hackett, and Vice-President and Dean for FBMH – Professor Graham Lord (both of whom have come from institutions with Silver and Gold Athena SWAN awards), along with Director of Faculty Operations – Vikki Goddard, to get their input and thoughts on Athena SWAN best practises. The schools updated them on the particular challenges our faculty faces. We also presented our thoughts on ways to improve these issues through.

1. Uptake and attitudes towards the flexible working policy

2. Developing a workload model

3. Childcare access and provisions

4. Professional service staff career progression.

Both meetings were very positive and there is a real willingness to support and help drive Athena SWAN activities across the institution. We will report back to them with our defined joint school aims later this month. Watch this space!

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