As one of the first acts as newly designated higher education institution (HEI) LSTM has now joined the Athena Swan charter, becoming its 91stmember.
Launched in June 2005, the Athena SWAN Charter was created to encourage universities and research institutes to address the attrition of women working in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM) academia. Any institution that is committed to the advancement of women’s careers in STEMM can apply for membership.
Membership allows LSTM to apply for a bronze award after which it will strive to receive a silver award. To receive the bronze award LSTM has now to prove that it adheres to a full range of policies and procedures to ensure family-friendly working and transparent recruitment and promotion procedures.
‘Our application for the bronze award is now in progress’, says Chris Greenway, Director of Human Resources of LSTM. ‘LSTM is committed to equal opportunities for all its employees. This membership and the award that may follow will add to our commitment to our staff and to our strategic development programme.’
Members can apply for awards twice a year. The awards are judged by a panel of experts with a professional background in STEMM and equality and diversity. Awards are valid for three years.
Athena Swan is a charter that recognises the institutional commitment to advance women’s careers in science . The Charter is managed by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) and is funded by ECU, the Royal Society, the Biochemical Society and the Department of Health.