UCL-Institute of Child Health
Athena SWAN
14th Self-Assessment Team Meeting
Tuesday 9th September 2014, 2:30pm – 4:00pm, June Lloyd Room, ICH
Present:
Dr Shamima Rahman (Chair)
Professor Ros Smyth (Director)
Dr Mona Bajaj-Elliot
Professor Maria Bitner-Glindzicz
Professor Andy Copp
Dr Fani Deligianni (Postdoctoral
Representative)
Ms Wendy Knowles
Ms Lydia Leon (PhD Representative)
Ms Natalie Mark
Dr Sara Mole (LMCB Representative)
Professor Gudrun Moore
Professor Pete Scambler
Dr Andy Stoker
Mr Michael Williams
Apologies: Professor Tessa Crompton, Dr Steven Howe, Professor Jenny Morgan,
Professor Jane Sowden
Minutes
1.
Welcome new SAT members
Shamima welcomed Fani Deligianni (Postdoctoral Representative), Lydia Leon (PhD Representative)
and Mona Bajaj-Elliot to the committee.
2.
ICH Silver Application Award Feedback
The feedback that the Equality Challenge Unit provided on the ICH Silver Award Application was
discussed, specifically the following items which the ECU would like to see addressed:
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Data on the number of staff eligible for promotion, not just those who apply.
A review of the promotions process, the ECU would like this explained in greater detail in the next
application.
Assurance that an open application process was used in gathering the case studies.
Information on the selection process and tenure Heads of Programmes.
Overall the ECU panel felt ICH had outlined lots of positive actions and that the current culture is very
inclusive.
3.
Action Plan Review, Updates and Roles
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New Lectureships
Ros briefed the committee that there is an aim of having one new lectureship per programme per
year. This year an application was made to the Child Health Research CIO to fund two new
lectureships.
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Maternity Research Funds
The committee was informed that an allocation of £20,000 to support this was approved at IMT on
Tuesday, September 2nd. The purpose of these funds is to support women in academic posts to
maintain the momentum of their scientific work whilst on maternity leave. It was agreed there needs
to be a strategy for how these funds will be distributed and the following parameters were outlined:
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The funds will be awarded to academic staff
It will be a very ‘light touch’ application process
Funding will be allocated to all applicants who meet the criteria
Funding will be provided for a defined period and there will be stipulations as to what
the funds can be used for
ICH SWAN Research Excellence Award
A draft of the application form for the inaugural ICH Research Excellence Award was circulated and
amendments were suggested. It was agreed three prizes will be awarded of £300, £200 and £100
respectively. The award will be announced to the postdoctoral staff as soon as the application is
finalised.
Michael to amend the application form and then circulate to postdoctoral staff.
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ICH SWAN Handbook
It was agreed this handbook will be available on the ICH Athena SWAN website and will primarily
contain links to information that is already available elsewhere to avoid duplication and the risk of
presenting outdating material.
Steve to work with Michael on gathering links and information for the website.
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ICH SWAN Activities of New Programmes
Shamima will be attending IMT in October and will reiterate the information which needs to be
collected by the programmes. Wendy spoke at the recent admin forum and advised the programme
administrative teams to try and comply with these requirements.
Shamima to attend IMT in October to provide an update on Athena SWAN.
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Appraisal Checklist
Natalie circulated a draft of the appraisal checklist and amendments were suggested.
Natalie to amend the appraisal checklist and then circulate to Shamima and Maria.
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ICH SWAN Website
Michael gave a brief overview of the ICH Athena SWAN website.
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ICH Results UCL Annual Survey
Michael discussed the results of the bi-annual UCL staff survey including how the results can be
used for ICH Athena SWAN monitoring purposes. The committee felt it would be helpful if the
survey could be amended to include additional questions based on the success measures outlined
in the action plan.
Michael to follow-up on whether additional questions can be included in the UCL staff survey.

Annual Careers Day
The 2014 ICH Academic Careers Day was discussed. Michael spoke to the evaluation form where
96% of respondents indicated they found the information presented useful in regards to their career
planning.
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Postdoctoral Career Development Advisors
Gudrun discussed the Early Careers Network she spoke at on September 4th and relayed that she is
working with Professor Bogle to create a UCL wide survey for postdoctoral staff.
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Mums and Dads Network (MADs)
The committee was informed that this initiative was given positive feedback at the event in York.
4.
All Other Business
In recognition of a successful Athena SWAN Silver Award application, ICH was presented with a
certificate and also acquired an award. Maria offered to look into where these items can be displayed.
5.
Next Meeting
Tuesday 4th November 2014
2.30pm – 4.00pm
June Lloyd Room, ICH