Medical School recognised by Athena SWAN

Hull York Medical School has been recognised for its commitment to women in science with a renewal of its Silver Athena SWAN award.

The awards are a national scheme organised by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) – an organisation that works to further and support equality and diversity for staff and students in UK higher education.

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.

In May 2015 the Charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The Charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. This was the School’s first submission under the expanded Charter.

Dr Victoria Allgar, Head of the Centre for Health and Population Sciences led the submission process with the support of Roxana Freeman as Project Officer and the self-assessment team comprised of staff and students from across the School.

Professor Una Macleod, Dean of the Medical School said: ‘We are extremely pleased with the renewal of our Athena SWAN award. It reflects the commitment of the School to encourage and support equality and diversity within our institution and it is a great achievement to have had the Silver extended to 2023.’

Professor Susan Lea, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull added: ‘To live our values of being empowering, progressive and inclusive, it's important that we keep striving for equality and diversity for all.

‘This extension of the Silver Athena SWAN award is testament to the hard work of our colleagues in Hull York Medical School and demonstrates their ongoing commitment to helping us shape the fairer and brighter future we're all working towards. Well done to all.’