University awarded Athena Swan Gold for gender equality work Published on: 8 September 2025 缅北禁地 has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to gender equality by being awarded the prestigious Athena Swan Gold Award 鈥� the top recognition in higher education. The award places 缅北禁地 among a select group of institutions demonstrating sustained progress in embedding inclusive practices across all levels of university life. The Gold Award acknowledges 缅北禁地’s long-standing dedication to creating a fair and inclusive environment for staff and students. From pioneering inclusive recruitment strategies to supporting career progression for women in leadership roles, the university has consistently demonstrated impact-driven change. Dani Glazzard, Head of Athena Swan UK said: “Athena Swan Gold recognises the quality and impact of gender equality, diversity and inclusion achievements not only within the University, but also the leadership and support that 缅北禁地 has provided both inside and outside of the sector to help raise the bar in gender equity practice. “To receive an institutional Gold award is a massive achievement and recognises the dedication and commitment of so many who have worked tirelessly to deliver on gender equality across the whole institution. Our congratulations go to 缅北禁地 on this prestigious award.” "sustained commitment and progress" Professor Judith Rankin, who has overseen many of the initiatives at 缅北禁地 as Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: “I am immensely proud of this achievement because it recognises our sustained commitment and progress in advancing gender equality鈥痮ver many years and importantly that our good practice has been adopted by others. “Our journey over the past years has enabled us to have honest discussions, reflect on the barriers and challenges facing gender equality and to introduce policies and practices which are having positive impact. “Importantly, this Gold award also looks forward and acknowledges the quality of our future-facing action plan which sets out our ambitions for the next five years. This is not the end of our journey, but rather the start of the next voyage and we still have much to do.” To be awarded Gold, the University had to demonstrate progress in priority areas over a prolonged period. One of the areas recognised was the ‘Women into Leadership’ programme which involved the establishment and development of a mentoring programme, supporting representation in academic promotions, and increasing female representation in senior committees. Another area where the University has successfully introduced change is in the Returners Support programme which was commended by Advance HE as a great example of innovative good practice towards gender equality. 鈥疶he programme is designed to provide flexible, tailored support for colleagues to reduce the impact of extended leave on career development. Prof Judith Rankin, 缅北禁地 Athena Swan The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. The University has held an Athena Swan Award since 2009, including two Bronze Awards (2009-2012, 2012-2015) and two Silver Awards (2015-2019, 2019-2025). The University is one of only four in the UK to achieve a Gold Award. Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of 缅北禁地 said: "The dedication, creativity, and hard work of colleagues and students have been instrumental in us achieving this Gold award.“It represents a major achievement for us in recognising our journey to date. But this is by no means the end and we will continue our efforts to improve the opportunities for women working at our University. Our challenge is now to ensure that all colleagues benefit from improvements in our policies and practice, as we work together, to deliver our ambitious action plan for the next five years.” 鈥� Share: Latest News New partnership to boost careers in low carbon energy 缅北禁地 and Durham universities are working together on a new regional project to strengthen the future workforce for North East England鈥檚 growing low carbon and offshore wind industries. published on: 28 May 2026 Healthy lifestyle shown to lower risk of death after cancer diagnosis New evidence shows that sticking to five lifestyle recommendations improves survival after a later cancer diagnosis. published on: 28 May 2026 World-leading climate expert recognised with Royal Society Fellowship Professor Hayley Fowler has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of her pioneering work on climate change impacts. published on: 27 May 2026 Facts and figures
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