Oxford University’s Faculty of English has been awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award which recognises commitment to the advancement of gender equality in higher education and research institutions.
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.
The Athena SWAN Charter is based on ten key principles. By being part of Athena SWAN, institutions are committing to a progressive charter; adopting these principles within their policies, practices, action plans and culture. You can find out more on the Advance HE website.
Key priorities
- KP1: Further embed EDI considerations, especially around gender and its intersections with socio-economic background, race, and LGBTQ+ identities, into decision-making across the Faculty’s activities.
- KP2: Ensure equality of experience and outcome for UG students.
- KP3: Ensure equality of experience and outcome for PGT and PGR students.
- KP4: Tackle workload and well-being issues, particularly related to unequal distribution of tasks and how these issues intersect with caring responsibilities
