Athena SWAN
Athena Silver SWAN awards are open to all UK universities who are Charter members and to science, engineering and technology (SET) faculties and departments in universities with a bronze or higher award. A silver SWAN recognises a university’s, SET faculty’s or department’s achievement in the collection, analysis and comparison of key data, the development and implementation of action plans and a clear demonstration of progress on gender equality in SET in four of the five key areas, the first three of which are compulsory:
- Knowing the base line and the SET academic staff profile
- Providing positive support for women at key career transition points
- Changing the culture and the gender balance in decision making
- Work-life balance practices, their introduction and uptake
- Champions, responsibilities and accountabilities
In May 2009, NHLI submitted an application for an Athena SWAN Silver Award and were delighted when the Athena SWAN judges validated our efforts and achievements in promoting gender equality, presenting us with a Silver SWAN award in September.
NHLI is one of the largest Institutes of Imperial's Faculty of Medicine, employing more than 100 academic staff, 33% of which are female. Recently, NHLI has made concerted efforts to increase inclusiveness and communication as well as improving opportunities for career development.
NHLI hosts regular workshops and open meetings and our Athena SWAN Good Practice Workshops in January 2009 were well attended by most categories of staff. Initially, postdoctoral staff were the least interested in these workshops, but further investigation revealed that they did not feel the need to attend as they already benefitted from the Institute's work with the organisation of tailored open discussion forums, the creation of a postdoctoral career development day and dedicated committee.
NHLI has made great achievements in the training and development of our outstanding junior scientists and our Athena Self Assessment Team has demonstrated that we wish this to be carried through to senior scientists.
Our action plan, encompassing short, medium, and long term activities wil ensure that NHLI is committed to the advancement of the careers of women in academia. Our greatest long-term aspiration is increasing the representation and success of female clinician-scientists.
Details of the application can be viewed here:
In granting the award, the Athena SWAN judges recognised the NHLI for:
- Our consultation process and the efforts we made to engage as many staff as possible
- The interesting and innovative initiatives within our action plan
- Our plans to monitor flexible working more closely
- The travel awards for attendance at workshops and conferences
- The Faculty of Medicine Ambassador for Women who has helped to identify and encourage women to apply for key external appointments.
