Athena SWAN
The School of Archaeology and Ancient History is committed to providing a positive and inclusive working environment, and to delivering a flexible, inclusive, accessible and rewarding curriculum, placing students at the centre of our decision-making. In 2019 we were successful in achieving an Athena Swan Bronze award. This national award is in recognition that in addition to institution-wide policies, the department is working to promote gender equality and to identify and address challenges particular to the School and discipline. The School is currently working on their 2024 resubmission.
About the Athena SWAN Charter
The Athena SWAN Charter recognises advancements in gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. The Charter was established in June 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. The Charter was expanded in May 2015 to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law, and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students.
The importance of Athena SWAN
The Charter examines the representation of women (and men), the progression of students into academia, the journey through career milestones and how gender may affect these areas and the working environment for all staff. We know that women are under-represented in science - the more senior the role, the greater the deficit. In some disciplines there is significant under-representation of women at all levels. Disciplines with under-representation run the risk of missing talented people it would otherwise gain and retain, and disciplines dominated by one gender are likely to have an unbalanced approach
Find out more on the Athena SWAN website
Key contacts in Archaeology and Ancient History
Professor Oliver Harris, Professor of Archaeology
Oliver is Chair of the Self-Assessment Team.
Email: ojth1@le.ac.uk