Accessibility statement

Athena Swan

The Athena Swan Charter recognises the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. The Department of Sociology is committed to promoting gender equality and to the principles of the Athena Swan charter.

We have recently received a Bronze Athena Swan Award, following the submission of our application. The process, led by our Athena Swan self assessment team, has involved a detailed assessment of gender equality for staff and students in the department, drawing on quantitative and qualitative data. We've been making changes and will continue to do so as part of our action plan for 2023-28.

The Athena Swan charter:

  • Helps institutions achieve their gender equality objectives.
  • Assists institutions to meet equality legislation requirements, as well as the requirements and expectations of some funders and research councils.
  • Uses a targeted self-assessment framework to support applicants, identify areas for positive actions as well as recognise and share good practice.
  • Supports the promotion of inclusive working practices that can increase the retention of valued academics and professional and support staff, demonstrating an institutions' commitment to an equitable working environment.

[Advance HE. (2020) Athena Swan Charter. [Online]. Advance HE website.

The chair of the Department of Sociology's Athena Swan self assessment team is Dr Carol Robinson.