Double Athena Swan accolade for Salford

The University has held the Bronze Award since 2016, this has now been renewed for a further five years. The newly unified School of Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE), which brings together three former schools, has been awarded the Bronze Award for the first time due to its commitment to the career progression and retention of female colleagues in the school.

The Athena Swan Charter is a framework overseen by Advance HE which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research, and recognises commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment.

Helen Matthews, Head of Athena Swan at the University said: “I am delighted that we have achieved the renewal of our University Athena Swan Bronze award and would like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed and helped to make this happen, particularly colleagues on the Athena Swan Sub-Committee. This award recognises our efforts to achieve gender equality across the institution, the impact we have made so far, and our plans for the next five years. We have highlighted where we need to work harder and are committed to delivering on our action plan. 

“Huge thanks and congratulations also to Professor Haifa -Takruri and the Athena Swan team in SEE on achieving their interim bronze award. Haifa has led Athena Swan activity for many years and has made a significant impact on gender equality across the School and institution.” 

The University-wide award will run until April 2026 and the SEE award will run until April 2024. 

Jo Purves, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Development, and institutional lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, added: “I am thrilled that we have been awarded not one but two Athena Swan Bronze awards - this is a really fantastic achievement! Embedding the Athena SWAN principles in our policies, practice and culture is important to the University with the double accolade being testament to the hard work of all those involved. We host regular events promoting gender equality and are fortunate to have some amazing role models at the University and as part of our alumni community. 

“The University strives to make the principles of the charter a normal way to work whilst demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity, diversity and gender equality in everything that we do.” 

You can also learn more about the Athena Swan work being undertaken in SEE by visiting the blog.