Athena SWAN success for School of Sport and Exercise Sciences

The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has been successful in its application for Athena SWAN Bronze Award. 

Advance HE’s 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 2015, the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law 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.

For departmental or university-wide success, applicants for the charter mark must undertake a detailed analysis of gender equality in their areas, enabling them to plan measurable actions that make for real impact in advancing gender equality.

Professor David Richardson, Director of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, said: 

"We are delighted to receive the Athena SWAN Bronze award. The recognition is testament to all of the hard work that the department has undertaken over the last few years to advance equality, progression and success for all staff and students. The award recognises the School’s commitment to gender equality and ensures our continued investment in the implementation of enhanced practices and systems in order to drive the equality of opportunity for all."

Moni Akinsanya, LJMU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, added:

"This is indeed brilliant news making Sport and Exercise Sciences the first department in the university to receive the award after the university-wide successful renewal. The award is in recognition of SPS’s commitment to addressing gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. 

"As the university continues to work towards progressing gender equality through the set Athena SWAN action plan, other LJMU departments also are presently working towards applying for their own Athena SWAN Award as a catalyst for change, and we wish them every success with their applications."

For full details about Advance HE’s Athena SWAN Charter, please visit https://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charters/athena-swan/

For further information on LJMU Athena SWAN activities, please email Equality@ljmu.ac.uk