Charters
Equity diversity and inclusivity are important, and we are proud of the external accolades we have achieved. They recognise our commitment to creating and sustaining a safe and fair community. We are determined to maintain our association with national and international charters and our working groups meet regularly and take full responsibility for ensuring that we remain compliant and achieve relevant objectives set out in various actions plans.
External Charters Working Group
We take our commitment to EDI seriously and are proud of the external recognition we have achieved through accolades such as Athena Swan. Our working groups meet regularly to ensure we’re supporting a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement. Please email [email protected] to find out more.
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. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
Institutional Athena Swan
Athena Swan is embedded throughout the institution with Athena Swan leads and Athena Swan/EDI committees in each academic area who are brought together at our University level Athena Swan Steering Group.
| Name | Job title | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Aisling Barker | External Charters Lead | Human Resources |
| Claire Parkinson | Professor/Associate Head of Dept | English & Creative Arts FAS |
| Chris Greenough | Chair, Professor | History, Geography & Social Sciences FAS |
| Simon Garret | Head of OD | People and Culture |
| Ruxandra Trandafoiu | Prof of Politics, Communication and Diaspora | History, Geography & Social Sciences |
| Jennifer Giblin | Associate Head of School | School of Law and Criminal Justice FAS |
| Nonso Nnamoko | Lecturer | Department of Computer Science FAS |
| Deborah Callaghan | Senior Lecturer | Business School FAS |
| Jeremy Brown | Associate Dean | FHSCM |
| Claire Swanwick | Student Success Manager | Widening Access & Student Success |
| Rachel Arland | Internal Communications Officer | Communications and Engagement |
| Fiona Hallett | Associate Dean | Graduate School |
| Sean Henry | Senior Lecturer | FoE |
| Lydia Richardson | Academic Quality and Standards Manager | Governance Quality Assurance and Student Casework |
| Rebecca Starr | Faculty Assistant Registrar | Faculty of Education |
Athena Swan at Edge Hill
Athena Swan is a charter mark that recognizes and promotes good practices in higher education institutions related to gender equality. At Edge Hill University, the Athena Swan initiative plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive environment that supports the advancement of women in academia.
The framework encourages institutions to examine their policies and practices, ensuring that they are conducive to gender equality.
The university has committed to creating a culture where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed.
One of the key aspects of Athena Swan at Edge Hill is the development of action plans. These plans are tailored to address specific challenges identified through data analysis and staff feedback.
By setting measurable goals, the university can track progress and make informed decisions about future initiatives. This proactive approach not only benefits female staff but enhances the overall academic environment for everyone.
Training and development opportunities are also a significant focus. Edge Hill offers workshops and resources aimed at empowering people to take on leadership roles and develop their careers. Mentorship programs connect junior staff with experienced colleagues, fostering a supportive network that encourages professional growth.
The impact of Athena Swan extends beyond gender equality; it promotes a diverse and inclusive culture that enriches the EHU community. By prioritizing equality, Edge Hill enhances its reputation as a forward-thinking institution that values all contributions, ultimately benefiting students and staff alike.
Athena Swan at Edge Hill represents a commitment to gender equality and diversity in higher education. Through continuous improvement, action-oriented strategies, and a supportive culture, the university aims to create a more equitable environment for all its members.
Edge Hill University Awards
| Award holder | Award held | Received Award | Key contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edge Hill University | Bronze | 2023 | Aisling Barker [email protected] |
| Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine | Bronze (pending) | Jeremy Brown [email protected] | |
| Faculty of Education | Bronze | 2021 | Sean Henry [email protected] |
| Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences | |||
| Sport and Physical Activity | Bronze | 2021 | Lee Nelson [email protected] |
| Computer Science | Bronze | 2023 | Ella Pereira [email protected] |
| Psychology | Bronze | 2024 | Dean Wilkinson [email protected] |
| School of Law, Criminology and Policing | Bronze | 2025 | Jennifer Giblin [email protected] |
| Business School | Bronze | 2025 | Joanne Hegarty [email protected] |
| History, Geography & Social Sciences | Bronze | 2025 | Chris Greenough [email protected] |
| Biology | Bronze (pending) | Clare Strode [email protected] | |
| English and Creative Arts | Bronze (pending) | Claire Parkinson [email protected] | |
Edge Hill University is committed to supporting this student group, as shown through our Care Leaver Covenant Signatory, Pledge with Stand Alone and National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) Quality mark award in recognition of our ongoing commitment to achieve the best outcomes for students with experience of care.
Disability Confident is creating a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.
