Roslin wins Athena Swan gold status for second time

Repeat award from professional body at highest level underscores Institute's focus on equality.

The Roslin Institute has become a double recipient at the highest level of an award that recognises its commitment to gender equality.

For the second time, Roslin has won a Gold Award from Athena Swan, which is the highest accolade given under the professional charter and is regarded as a beacon of achievement in gender equality.

The award is one of less than 25 Gold Awards among more than 1000 Athena Swan accolades held at institutions across the UK.

The Athena Swan Charter, delivered by the educational body Advance HE, recognises and celebrates good practice in higher education and research institutions towards gender equality.

Best practice

The Institute was granted the award in recognition of its longstanding work towards gender equality.

Roslin received positive feedback on the structures, committees and processes underpinning its equality work, and the commitment of senior leadership to progressing gender equality.

As part of the Athena Swan process, the Institute has developed an action plan for the next five years enabling further progress towards gender equality.

The Roslin Institute won a gold Athena Swan award in 2017, following a silver award in 2014 and bronze in 2012.

The Athena Swan Charter aims to helps institutions achieve their gender equality objectives and meet equality legislation requirements, as well as the requirements and expectations of some funders and research councils.

It uses a targeted self-assessment framework to help applicants identify areas for positive action as well as recognise and share good practice, and supports inclusive working practices to retain valued staff.

This renewal of our Athena Swan Gold Award is recognition of Roslin’s aim to uphold the highest standards in gender equality.

This valued award is a testament to the work of all those who contributed to the application for this award, especially our committee members, and to the staff and students who strive every day to make our campus a place where everyone can thrive.

This is a hugely important achievement which reflects a great deal of work. 

Many congratulations to all of the team, and to all who have made this possible within our community.