Equality and diversity (Chemistry)
Equality and diversity is fundamental to ensuring a workplace where everyone can thrive and reach their potential. Here in Chemistry, we ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are key considerations in every aspect of our work and environment.
Athena Swan - Silver Award
We take time to consider that gender, race, religion, sexuality, disability, family commitments, work-life balance and well being are at the heart of all actions, from recruitment to meeting times to social gatherings.
The Chemistry EDI committee was very active and consisted of representatives from all staff and student groups. The committee itself implemented many actions, while the structure enabled recommendations from the committee to be fed directly to the top.
The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise a commitment to advancing the careers of women in STEM employment in higher education and research.
Under this charter, chemistry strived to address the issues of under-representation of women in science by assessing and changing cultures and attitudes. The University earned its Bronze award in 2009 and a Silver award in 2016 (renewed in 2019). Chemistry gained a Bronze award in 2013 and Silver in 2016, and currently holds a Silver award renewed in April 2020. To view the full departmental submission click here (PDF, 2.6MB).
Recent activities in Chemistry include:
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Obtaining our Athena SWAN silver status
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Unconscious bias training for all staff (face-to-face 2016, followed up with online training)
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An all staff workshop on setting narrative goals for a diverse workforce
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Extensive survey and review of mental health issues for staff and students in the department, with an action plan resulting in considering better timing of deadlines for student assessment to ease anxiety, and better communication of support for staff.
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Biannual staff social events (Summer and Christmas lunches and party)
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A biannual staff survey