Imperial College signed up to the Athena SWAN Charter in 2005. The Charter recognises a commitment to monitor and address gender inequality in higher education across both academic and professional support careers. Institutions and Departments can apply for awards to demonstrate the progress they are making towards the goal of achieving gender equality.

The Development and Opportunities Committee (DOC) and the Athena Self-Assessment Team (SAT) are responsible for the process of applying for Athena awards as part of their remit to improve the culture and organisation of the Department. As a result of their work, the Department of Medicine achieved a Departmental Bronze Award in 2012, followed by a Silver Award in 2014. The Department applied to renew its Silver Award in April 2018.

The DOC organises regular workshops to hear from staff and PhD students on topics such as departmental culture and organisation, career progression, development opportunities, mentoring, working environment and communication. In addition, the DOC oversees the work of the various staff working groups. The feedback from both of these routes contributes to the development of local initiatives, and helps to shape department culture and practices through recommendations made to the Departmental management board.

If you have any suggestions or questions about Athena SWAN, or would like to get involved, please contact the DOC Chair Dr Victoria Salem (v.salem@imperial.ac.uk).