Two University of Stirling departments are celebrating their continued commitment to equality and inclusion after being awarded Athena SWAN bronze awards.
Both the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Institute of Aquaculture have received the accolade, which will be valid until 2025.
The Athena SWAN initiative is a national charter developed by the Equality Challenge Unit, which recognises and promotes good practice in gender equality. The charter is based on ten key principles which help foster positive, cultural change across the working environment and tackle inequalities.
By being part of Athena SWAN, institutions commit to a progressive charter; adopting these principles within their policies, practices, action plans and culture.
Jill Stevenson, the University’s Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: “We are really proud of the achievements of our colleagues in the Faculty and the Institute, and these recent awards mean the University now holds five Athena Swan awards in total. As an institution, we are committed to creating a culture that fully supports equality, diversity and inclusion and these latest awards demonstrate that colleagues across the University actively work towards this goal.
“I’d like to thank all of the staff involved for their hard work and dedication to promoting equality, and to congratulate them on their well-deserved success.”
The University of Stirling has been part of the charter since 2011 and was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze award in 2013, retaining it in September 2016. Its latest successes mean it now holds five awards in total, with the Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport both retaining Bronze awards last year.
Dr Liz Forbat, Faculty of Social Sciences Athena SWAN Chair, said: “This award recognises the Faculty’s commitment to ensuring wider equality, diversity and inclusion for staff and students.
“Achieving an Athena Swan award is a substantial task and further highlights the dedication of colleagues to advancing gender equality and creating a truly inclusive environment to both work and learn.”
Professor Maggie Cusack, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, said: “I am delighted that the Institute of Aquaculture has received an Athena SWAN Bronze award. This award is testament to the hard work of staff and students in the Institute striving to achieve equity, diversion and inclusion.
“I am sure that the boost provided by the award will energise and sustain these efforts. I am delighted to have this opportunity to offer my congratulations to everyone in the Institute of Aquaculture.”