June 2013
Headlines from Athena SWAN feedback:
Following the announcement last month of the departments and
universities that had been successful in achieving SWAN awards,
departments have now received feedback from SWAN panels on their
submissions. The following are the key issues that were fed back to UCL
departmental and the university bronze submissions:
HoD letter: panels liked letters that were honest and genuine, and that
demonstrated personal commitment and engagement from the HoD.
The HoD being identified as the key contact for the submission was
seen positively. Panels wanted the HoD to show the link between
SWAN and the department’s strategy and track record. Also use
specific examples of work being done.
The self-assessment process: SATs are expected to be representative
and diverse. The panels appreciate honest and clear descriptions of the
self-assessment process and the SATs reporting mechanisms.
Discussion with individuals or departments across and outside of UCL
was seen to be important. Consultation with staff is expected.
Policy briefing and discussion – maternity,
paternity, childcare and flexible working
There appears to be some confusion over
several aspects of policy, and we have seen
some interesting interpretations in SWAN
drafts. We have organised a policy briefing
with Anne-Marie Howard (HR Policy Officer)
to outline the policies, practices and
opportunities at UCL in relation to maternity,
paternity, childcare and flexible working.
There will also be an opportunity to discuss
ideas for best practice. This event will take
place on July 16th at 11:30 in the Wilkins Old
Refectory. The briefing will last 45 minutes
and we strongly advise SATs to send at least 1
representative to feed back to departments.
Description of the department: Panels appreciated clear graphical
representations of data that included percentages and reference to
raw numbers. They wanted to see a clear narrative that identified the
key issues from the data, and suggested actions in response to analysis
with reference to the action plan.
Supporting and advancing women’s careers: it is important fully
explain relevant policies and practices, for example how promotions
procedure works in your department. Panels wanted to see a clear
explanation of what actions are planned and what has been
implemented. Always discuss any impact identified. Mentoring, core
hours, transparent workload model and annual appraisals were viewed
as good practice.
Action plan: panels want to see clear, achievable action plans with
clear and realistic deadlines across the next three years. Where
possible, success measures should be quantified or measurable. Panels
were concerned when the majority of actions fell to one person.
Fiona McClement, UCL Equality and Diversity
Adviser, receiving the University bronze
renewal award from Professor Dame Julia
Higgins, the Athena SWAN charter patron.
To achieve silver = impact, impact, impact.
Athena SWAN 2012 annual report:
Athena SWAN have published their 2012 annual report. There are a lot of
examples of good practice from other universities, and some interesting
information about the success rate of applications (see below). In the
November submission round, there were several departments that
applied for silver who didn’t even receive a bronze award. Download the
report here.
New UCL SWAN website
We have updated the UCL SWAN website. The
website now includes all UCL SWAN
submissions, information about upcoming
events, and links to support documents. These
include the SWAN toolkit, template action plan,
template graphs, past presentations and an
FAQ section.
Tips and ideas:
SLMS Academic Role Models: A publication has
been put together of forty academic role
models from across SLMS. The publication has
been created after nominations for staff from a
clinical or non-clinical background who have
made a positive impact in research or teaching.
Guidance on supporting working parents and
carers: This document has been put together to
promote and explain the support and flexible
working arrangements available to UCL staff and
may be a helpful document for SWAN SATs.
Useful Reading: European Commission report:
Structural change in research institutions:
enhancing excellence, gender equality and
efficiency in research and innovation.
Athena SWAN lunches:
Following the SWAN event in May, all but one
of those who filled in the feedback form said
that they would be interested in attending
informal lunch time meetings. These meetings
will be an opportunity to share good practice,
problems and solutions with other
departments from across UCL. All SAT
members are welcome. The first of these
sessions will be held following the policy
briefing on July 16th in the Wilkins Old
Refectory. It is expected that the briefing will
finish at 12:15 and the room has been booked
until 13:30. Lunch will be provided.
Contact
Harriet.jones@ucl.ac.uk
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