Athena Swan

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 University of Wolverhampton is committed to the aims of the Charter. We are actively working to implement change that encourages women to embark on careers in what are traditionally regarded as male disciplines. This is important to enable STEMM subjects to realise the latent scientific potential in the whole of the population irrespective of gender or gender identity. Our aim, guided by Athena SWAN, is to remove the barriers that are precluding both men and women from fulfilling their potential. 

In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

The Athena SWAN Charter covers women (and men where appropriate) in:

  • Academic roles in STEMM and AHSSBL
  • Professional and support staff
  • Trans staff and students

In relation to their:

  • Representation
  • Progression of students into academia
  • Journey through career milestones
  • Working environment for all staff

The University was successful in applying for a new Athena SWAN Bronze Award on 30th September 2019. The WLV School of Sport also gained a Bronze award on the 30th April 2021. This recognises the work colleagues across the institution have done over the past year, to develop a new gender equality plan that is true to our values as an institution that champions equality, diversity and inclusion and properly implements the principles of the Athena SWAN programme. 

We have also created internal network groups whose responsibility is to coordinate and monitor the Athena Swan initiatives and objectives.

Find out more Athena Swan information by clicking on the Advanced HE Link