About Athena SWAN

The UK Athena Swan Charter was updated with the sector in 2021 to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the higher education and research sectors.

The revised UK Athena Swan Charter – or the ‘transformed Charter’ - has been developed in consultation with sector practitioners; equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) champions; and the charter’s governance committee. The changes are based on the recommendations of an independent review led by the Athena Swan Steering Group. 

The transformed Charter builds on the strengths of the existing framework to create a Charter that is more flexible, transparent, and supportive.

Benefits of the transformed Charter include:  

• greater focus on autonomy and flexibility
• reduced administrative burden for applicants
• developmental and supportive approach.

The Athena Swan Charter:

• helps institutions achieve their gender equality objectives
• assists institutions to meet equality legislation requirements, as well as the requirements and expectations of some funders and research councils
• uses a targeted self-assessment framework to support applicants identify areas for positive action as well as recognise and share good practice
• supports the promotion of inclusive working practices that can increase the retention of valued academics and professional and support staff, demonstrating an institution’s commitment to an equitable working environment

What does it cover?

Advance HE’s Athena Swan Charter covers all gender identities in academic roles in in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) and arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and law (AHSSBL), professional, managerial and support staff roles in relation to their:

• representation
• progression of students into academia
• journey through career milestones
• working environment for all staff