Equality at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Athena SWAN Silver Award

We hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award from the Equality Challenge Unit, recognising our commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) in Higher Education and Research.

In order to achieve the Athena SWAN Silver Award we had to satisfy or exceed a variety of exacting criteria, and introduce ways of working which are sustainable and create an environment for equal opportunity. Our initiatives are wide ranging and examples include: improving the gender balance in meetings and interviews for prospective staff and students; creating mechanisms for promotion which are fair to all genders, and; providing crèche facilities for important faculty events.

Gender equality in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

The Athena Swan Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in (STEMM) science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine, employment in higher education and research. In relation to this, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry have put in place initiatives and positive changes which have helped achieve a faculty silver award.

In May 2015 the charter was expanded to include non-STEMM subjects, professional and support roles, and trans staff and students. It now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women alone.

Athena SWAN has allowed us to facilitate changes to support female staff, as well as those who have caring responsibilities and require flexible working. We continue to support staff and make changes that will benefit all and advance gender equality, as we work towards a silver award.

Testimonies from staff highlight the positive impact that Athena SWAN has had, and continues to have, for the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

Gail Rees

I have benefited from support and encouragement from the faculty which have not only helped me to meet my objectives regarding professional development, but which have also factored in the flexibility I need to do that and live a life outside of work

Read more about Gail’s career development

Our documents

We will make available information about our SAT meetings and activities here. You can download our 2014 Bronze Award Application form, current Action Plan and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion factsheet for staff.