Award for enhancing equality

The School of Biomedical Sciences has received a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition for its commitment to women’s career progression.

The Athena SWAN Charter recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in science, engineering and technology in higher education and research.

Work-life balance

The School was granted the award for introducing policies that foster a good work-life balance and encourage career development among women.

The School has developed a three-year action plan to continue to address these issues.

Biomedical Sciences has implemented, or is planning to start, a number of policies and procedures committed to ensuring equal opportunities.

These include a mentoring scheme, formal procedures for requesting flexible leave, support for promotion applications and regular appraisals.

This is very important for the School, and is a great recognition towards our efforts to create a very positive culture among all staff

Second award

The School is the second department in the University to receive an individual award.

In March 2006, the School of Chemistry became the first subject-specific department in the UK to be granted a Silver Athena Swan award.

The University is one of 42 members of the Charter and a holder of the Bronze award.