Dr Caroline Wardle, University College London

Athena Swan

BCS Spring 2016 Convention10 March, 2016

Dr. Caroline Wardle

Visiting Professor of Computer Science, UCL & QMUL

A recognition scheme of excellence in

women’s employment in STEMM in

Higher Education and Research

STEMM - Science,Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine

Background to Athena SWAN

• Athena SWAN is run and managed by

the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU).

• The Athena SWAN Charter was

established in 2005 for Institutions

of Higher Education and Research.

• 2005 - 10 founder members; 2016 - 137 members.

• Institutions and departments apply for Bronze, Silver and

Gold awards that recognise good practice in

advancement of gender equality.

• Change in focus in May 2015 - more about this later.

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STEMM Pipeline (HESA 2013/14)

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Athena SWAN – pre May, 2015 STEMM focus

• Who is eligible to apply for an

Athena SWAN award?

- UK: HE Institutions and publicly-funded

STEMM-focused research institutes

- Republic of Ireland: HE Institutions and Institutes

of Technology can join a current pilot programme.

• Awards can be for institution or department.

• Awards need to be renewed every 3 years.

Athena SWAN – pre May, 2015

Process to join, first step

• Institution applies for Charter

Membership.

• Application must be signed by the vice-

chancellor/principal of institution and

institution must accept 6 Athena SWAN principles

addressing gender inequality.

• Institution must apply for Bronze award within 3 years

of membership. Departments cannot apply for awards

until institution has Bronze.

Athena SWAN Awards, Requirements, pre- and post-May, 2015

• identified challenges

• planned activities for the future

• significant record of activity and impact

• beacons for gender equality, Athena

SWAN and good practice

Bronze – 86 institutions, 306 departments

• ongoing activity

• evidence of impact

Silver – 9 institutions, 128 departments

Gold – 0 institutions, 7 departments

Athena SWAN – pre May, 2015Applying for an award - process

• Set up a self assessment team.

• Data analysis over 3-5 years:

- Statistical e.g. pipeline data, recruitment

data and maternity data

- Qualitative (e.g. surveys, focus groups).

• Identify key areas of attrition and leaks in pipeline .

• Develop an action plan in response to data analysis .

• Monitor progress and impact

• The ‘Dame Sally Davies effect’ – 2011, NIHR funding

announcement.

Athena SWANCost to join in 2016?

• Institution applying for Charter

membership.

Annual cost between £4,000 - £20,000

for England and N. Ireland but less for

Scotland and Wales. Amount is

dependent on the institution’s total income.

• Departments cannot apply for awards

until institution has Bronze.

Department cost - £500 per application.

A recognition scheme of excellence in

gender equality in Higher Education and

Research: representation, progression and

success for all.

Athena SWAN – post May, 2015Key changes

Charter principles have been updated.

Institution must agree to 10 Athena

SWAN principles. Key changes are:

•Gender equality in HE & RI.

• Inclusion of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business and

Law departments (AHSSBL).

•Universities and departments must address career development of

Professional Services staff.

•Four year award (and action plan) instead of three.

•More data, more questions.

Universities and departments need to consider intersectionality.

Universities need to show how they support Trans staff/students.

Challenges for HE: Bias and Stereotypes

• There are common assumptions / stereotypes

about women’s interests, skills and talents.

• These assumptions influence which toys to

buy little girls, to which subjects they study, to

staff recruitment.

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How is BCS involved with Athena SWAN?

CignetS - Athena Swan for Computer Science

Workshop, 1st Dec 2014, at BCS HQ.

Other professional Societies’ also involved with Athena

SWAN: London Mathematical, Royal Geographical, Political

Sciences, General Microbiology, Biochemical, British

Ecological, Experimental Biology ...

University outreach to schools – frequent

Athena SWAN activity in HE.

-BCS Academy is collaborative partner with Computing

at School (CAS) [CAS mission - Promoting and

supporting excellence in computer science education in

schools].

Acknowledgements

Thanks go to Harriet Jones,

Equalities and Diversity Manager, UCL

and

James Lush and Jess Cockell,

Equality Charters Adviser, ECU