uk resource centre for women in science, engineering and technology - athena swan sub-site

Award submissions can be made at the following levels:

• Bronze university – awards recognise that the university overall has a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff. This includes: (i) an assessment of where the university is in quantitative (staff and student data) and qualitative (policies, practices, systems and arrangements) terms, which has identified both challenges and opportunities; (ii) a plan that builds on the assessment, the activities that are already in place and what has been learnt from these; and (iii) an organisation (the self assessment team) to carry proposed actions forward.
• Bronze department – awards recognise that in addition to university wide policies, the department has identified particular challenges and is planning activities for the future. This includes: (i) an assessment of where the department is in quantitative (staff and student data) and qualitative (policies, practices, systems and arrangements) terms, which has identified both challenges and opportunities; (ii) a plan that builds on the assessment, the activities that are already in place and what has been learnt from these; and (iii) an organisation (the self assessment team) to carry proposed actions forward.
• Silver department – awards recognise that in addition to university wide policies, the department has a significant record of activity and achievement and has identified particular challenges, has implemented activities and can demonstrate the impact of these so far.
• Silver university – awards recognise a significant record of activity and achievement by the university in promoting gender equality and in addressing challenges across the full range of SET departments within the university, additionally providing evidence of the impact of Athena SWAN activities.
• Gold department – awards recognise a significant sustained progression and achievement by the department in promoting gender equality. Gold departments are beacons of achievement and champion and promote good practice in the wider community.
• Gold university