Leeds University Business School achieves Bronze Athena SWAN Award

Leeds University Business School has received a Bronze Award in the Athena SWAN Charter.

This award follows an assessment by Advance HE and recognises work undertaken across the School in promoting gender equality.

Professor Jennifer Tomlinson, who led on the school’s submission with Dr Kate Hardy, said:

“The Athena SWAN Bronze Award is a strong statement about our commitment to gender equality. We are delighted to receive this award. Our action plan to promote and achieve greater gender equality is ambitious and we look forward to implementing it.  This award is a testament to the work of colleagues across the school and I express my sincere thanks to everyone who has played a part in this achievement.”

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) in higher education and research.

In May 2015 the Charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The Charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly not just barriers to progression that may affect women.

Commenting on the award, Professor Julia Bennell, Executive Dean said:

Achieving the Athena SWAN Bronze Award is a significant achievement. At the University of Leeds we have strong values of inclusiveness and community, and this award helps demonstrate our commitment to living our values. Our award is valid until 2023, but we will not sit still. We recognise the need to work hard to maintain the level of award and it is important that we continue to make significant strides in this area.

Athena SWAN awards are available in Bronze, Silver and Gold at both institution and departmental level. Find out more about Athena SWAN.