Robert
Gordon University (RGU) has been awarded the prestigious Athena Swan UK Bronze
award in recognition of its commitment and efforts towards addressing and
promoting gender equality.
The
Advance
HE Athena Swan Charter is a recognised framework which is used across
the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education
institutions and research.
Veronica
Strachan, university secretary and vice principal corporate services, said: “As
an institution committed to widening access and promoting a culture of
respectfulness and equality, we have devoted considerable effort to improve
equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across the university.
“We
have made great strides through our governance structure and taken important
actions led within Student Life and HR to address inequality and gender-based
violence. We have also increased staff engagement in decision making through
our Equality Action Groups and the increasingly important Equality Champions.
“This
award recognises the progress made and importantly endorses our action plan to
continue to ensure further progress.”
The awarding panel commended RGU on an additional cost of living payment made to
all staff in November 2022; a comprehensive suite of measures to tackle
unacceptable behaviours, including the appointment of first responders across schools and departments to support those making an initial disclosure of gender-based violence; and the completion rate of mandatory equality, diversity
and inclusion training since its introduction in January 2023.
RGU’s
appointment of Equality
Champions for each protected characteristic and the harmonisation of annual
leave and subsequent introduction of a 35-work hour week were both also deemed
good practice.
Furthermore,
the panel highlighted that equality, diversity and inclusion is well embedded
into the university’s governance structures while commending efforts to provide
a comprehensive action plan to support the university’s future priorities.
Through
the Athena Swan process, the university has collectively achieved a greater
understanding and awareness and enhanced equality for all genders and
intersecting identities across our RGU community.
A
real team effort, the award submission included vital contributions and
commitment from the self-assessment team, equality & diversity sub-committee and forum members, the equality, diversity and inclusion adviser.
Established
in 2005 to encourage and recognise the commitment to advancing the careers of
women in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM)
employment, the Athena Swan Charter is now used worldwide to address gender
equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.