Geography and Environment recognised for commitment to equality

Geography and Environmental Science’s commitment to equality has been recognised by the renewal of an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU).

The ECU works to further and support equality and diversity for staff and students in higher education institutions across the UK.

Its Athena SWAN Charter scheme aims to promote equality in academia. In particular, it addresses the under-representation of women and high loss rate of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM).

Originally established in 2005, Athena SWAN’s remit has since been expanded to recognise work taking place in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL). The charter covers professional and support roles as well as trans staff and students. It aims to recognise commitment to address gender equality more broadly, not just barriers to progression that affect women.

Professor Justin Sheffield, Head of School, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Geography and Environmental Science has successfully renewed its Athena SWAN Bronze Award.

“It recognises the hard work of the whole team who put together the renewal application under the guidance of Prof. Andrew Power who led the submission.

“The self-assessment process allowed us to reflect deeply on our working practices and will help us to develop a working environment that values the diversity of contribution and approach of all our staff.

“I am personally committed to the Athena SWAN process, and look forward to delivering the Athena SWAN action plan which seeks to create an inclusive, creative, working environment.”

The University of Southampton itself has a Silver Award, and other areas that have been recognised by Athena SWAN include Maths, Chemistry, Health Sciences and Physics.