SoGE secures Athena Swan Silver

By being part of Athena Swan, SoGE commits to a progressive Charter by adopting a series of equality principles within its policies, practice, action plans and culture. Having previously secured the Bronze award in 2017, the Silver award recognises the department's progress in gender equality and inclusive practices more broadly. In particular, we have increased the proportion of women amongst our academic staff following changes to recruitment procedures. We have also increased support for, and take-up of, flexible working which has benefitted many staff, and supported everyone's career development through Personal Development Reviews and mentoring.

SoGE becomes the first department within the University of Oxford's Social Sciences Division to gain the Silver award. Commenting on the achievement, SoGE's Head of School, Professor Gillian Rose, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the progress we have made at SoGE towards creating an equal environment where women are supported and valued. This award is testimony to the hard work of many people over many years in the School, with support from the Division and the University. We will continue to prioritise equality, diversity and inclusion for all and remain committed to making progress for the benefit of our whole community."

Gillian paid tribute to members of staff who have been instrumental in securing the Silver Award including SoGE's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, its chair Professor Danny Dorling, and Diversity and Inclusion Manager Dr Claire Hann. Gillian also recognised former Head of School Professor Heather Viles' crucial role in committing the School to the Athena Swan scheme and securing the Bronze award in 2017.

For more information on Athena Swan please contact our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Dr Claire Hann.