RGU gains prestigious Athena Swan award for gender equality

The Advance HE Athena Swan Charter is a recognised framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education institutions and research.

Veronica Strachan, University Secretary and Vice Principal Corporate services, said: “As an institution committed to widening access and promoting a culture of respectfulness and equality, we have devoted considerable effort to improve equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across the University.

“We have made great strides through our governance structure and taken important actions led within Student Life and HR to address inequality and gender-based violence. We have also increased staff engagement in decision making through our Equality Action Groups and the increasingly important Equality Champions.

“This award recognises the progress made and importantly endorses our action plan to continue to ensure further progress.”

The Awarding panel commended RGU on an additional cost of living payment made to all staff in November 2022; a comprehensive suite of measures to tackle unacceptable behaviours, including the appointment of First Responders across Schools and departments to support those making an initial disclosure of Gender-Based Violence; and the completion rate of mandatory equality, diversity and inclusion training since its introduction in January 2023.

RGU’s appointment of Equality Champions for each protected characteristic and the harmonisation of annual leave and subsequent introduction of a 35-work hour week were both also deemed good practice.

Furthermore, the panel highlighted that Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is well embedded into the University’s governance structures while commending efforts to provide a comprehensive action plan to support the University’s future priorities.

Through the Athena Swan process, the University has collectively achieved a greater understanding and awareness and enhanced equality for all genders and intersecting identities across our RGU community.

A real team effort, the award submission included vital contributions and commitment from the Self-Assessment team, Equality & Diversity Sub-Committee and forum members, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Adviser.

Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise the commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Athena Swan Charter is now used worldwide to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.