Athena SWAN Charter

The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

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 action 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 institution’s commitment to an equitable working environment

The School's application was led by Swan Co-champions, Dr Deirdre Gilpin and Prof Wafa-Al Jamal.

Receiving news of the Award, Dr Gilpin commented:

“We are delighted to have received this wonderful award, which recognises the School’s commitment to gender equality over many years. The School received its first Athena Swan Award in 2010 and, since then, we have been working to embed gender equality in the working life of the School.

We were the first School of Pharmacy in the UK and on the island of Ireland to be awarded a Silver Award fin 2014 and are delighted now to translate that to Gold in 2024. This award is an acknowledgement of how far we as a School have come, and that the principles of fairness and inclusion are firmly embedded within our department.”

Professor Al-Jamal added:

“In order to secure the Gold, we have delivered an ambitious action plan including the provision of mentoring opportunities, supporting career progression for female academics, ensuring distribution of academic housework and embedding the of principles of equality, diversity and inclusion across the School. 

We have supported others to improve by sharing best practice across the sector, and we aim to provide a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all our staff and students. We are committed to continue to deliver excellence in the field going forward.”

Professor Gavin Andrews, Head of the School of Pharmacy, commented on the award, saying:

“I am delighted that the School of Pharmacy has achieved the Gold Athena Swan Award. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to gender equality and our pursuit of fairness and inclusion.

I would like to pay special thanks to Dr Deirdre Gilpin and Professor Wafa Al-Jamal, whose determination and hard work were instrumental in leading our Swan Gold application. Their dedication has been a driving force behind this achievement and the significant strides we are we are making towards a more equitable future.”

View our Gold Award application form:

The School of Pharmacy is strongly committed to embedding the principles of Athena SWAN and advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across all areas of School life. In 2021, our Swan Committee evolved into the School Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (SEDIC), reflecting our recognition of intersectionality and the importance of supporting staff and students across all protected characteristics. While delivery of our Swan Action Plan remains central, SEDIC works collaboratively across EDI areas to promote inclusive culture and best practice.

SEDIC is co-chaired by our Swan Co-Champions, includes representation from all staff and student roles, and ensures that a gender and EDI lens informs decision-making at all levels. Swan and EDI are standing agenda items on key School committees, with contributions formally recognised through workload allocation, annual review and promotion. Through strong engagement with Faculty and University EDI structures, the School of Pharmacy continues to drive meaningful and sustainable cultural change.