The award reflects the University’s strong track record in championing gender equality, a mission that has been central to Edge Hill since being established as the first non-denominational teacher-training college for women in 1885.
This achievement follows five departmental awards granted to the University, with the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Faculty of Education, and departments of Psychology, Computer Science, and Sport and Physical Activity all achieving bronze status.
The Athena SWAN Charter is a global initiative that aims to transform gender equality across the higher education sector. Since its launch in 2005, the Charter has expanded to address gender equality more broadly, not only barriers affecting women.
Director of Human Resources Vicky Bosward said: “Our University is proudly committed to equality and inclusion. Edge Hill prides itself on having been the first non-denominational teacher-training college for women. From the beginning, the University aimed to support women in pursuing a career, which was revolutionary back in 1885.
“Our founding principle of creating opportunities and boosting aspirations by providing an exceptional education guides us to this day and is reflected by the Athena SWAN Award.”
Edge Hill University gained its institutional bronze Athena SWAN award in 2015, renewed in 2019 and again in 2023, showing a clear, ongoing commitment to gender equality.
The Athena SWAN Charter is a framework created by Advance HE which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research.
Edge Hill worked with Advanced HE to develop its comprehensive equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategy, which outlines the University’s commitment to promoting EDI.
For more information about courses at Edge Hill University, visit the website www.edgehill.ac.uk.
November 22, 2023
