The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has become the first Russell Group institution to achieve an Athena Swan Award specifically recognising the contributions of its Professional Technical and Operations (PTO) staff.
The recent Bronze Award underscores our continuing commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, where every colleagues’ contributions are acknowledged and valued.
The Athena Swan Awards, administered by Advance HE, recognise and celebrate commitment to advancing gender equality in Higher Education and research.
Following a refresh of its charter, Advance HE is aiming to promote gender equality across the breadth of Higher Education, and has piloted a standalone award for Professional Technical and Operations staff. Achieving the Bronze Award means the University is now recognised as a sector leader.
For the last 12 months, the Faculty’s Athena Swan PTO Self-Assessment Team has been consulting with colleagues, looking at policies and practice, and collating and analysing data to identify the opportunities and challenges experienced by staff working within the Faculty Directorates’ professional services teams. The team is waiting for feedback from Advance HE, but is already beginning to implement an action plan, which will focus on improving the gender balance in technical and clerical roles, improving work-life balance and supporting the development and progression of professional services colleagues.
Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty, said: “I would first of all like to thank everyone on the Self-Assessment Team and across the faculty who worked on the application and congratulate them on the Bronze award, in particular Niki Sandman, Faculty Director of Operations and Athena Swan application lead, and Judy Coulson, APVC and Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead. This award is testament to the collective efforts of the faculty in championing gender equality and inclusivity across all facets of university life.
“Our Professional Technical and Operations staff play an invaluable role in driving innovation, supporting research, and enhancing the overall academic and student experience for our community. This recognition underscores our commitment to ensuring equal opportunities and recognition for all staff within HLS.”
More about Advance HE
Advance HE is a member-led charity which works on behalf of the Higher Education sector, helping institutions like the University of Liverpool to achieve high standards of teaching and learning, leadership development and equality, diversity and inclusion.
The Advance HE pilot has now closed and the Athena Swan Bronze Award is valid for five years.