Keele University has been successful in achieving renewal of its institutional Bronze Athena SWAN award. The Bronze award recognises Keele’s firm commitment and action in addressing gender equality in its broadest sense, and not just barriers that affect progression of women.

Athena SWAN is a progressive charter which recognises commitment to advancing gender equality in academia. Keele University is one of 66 institutions successfully awarded a Bronze award in the most recent round of awards, from 114 submissions.

To achieve the Bronze award the university had to demonstrate significant progress since the previous institutional submission in 2014. Professor Mark Ormerod, co-Chair of Keele's Athena SWAN Steering Group explained:

“We have been able to make significant process through the combined efforts and engagement of many people in developing our practices in relation to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Thanks are due to all involved in the Institutional, Faculty, School and Directorates Athena SWAN groups, and, in terms of preparing the submission, particular credit must go to Professor Susan Bruce, Institutional Lead for Gender Equality, Dr Sue Sherman, Faculty Lead for Natural Sciences, Professor Danielle Van der Windt, Faculty Lead for Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Hannah Barjat, Athena SWAN Officer and Nic Ratcliffe, Head of Human Resources (Strategy & Policy)."

Professor Ormerod, who is also Co-Chair of the university’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group commented:

“I am delighted that Keele has been successful as an Institution in renewing our Athena SWAN Bronze award. However, there is much work to do to more fully embed EDI principles and practices across the university. As we look to the future, it’s essential that we maintain our focus and momentum on the Athena SWAN agenda set within the context of wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion developments. This area is identified as a key strand of our People Strategy, with the aim of creating and supporting an environment where all members of the Keele community can flourish as individuals and together can contribute effectively to the success of the university.”