The Health Sciences department at Brunel University London is currently in the process of drafting our application for the Athena SWAN Silver award, which is due in September of this year. This award recognizes our commitment to promoting gender equality and creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for all staff and students.
As part of our ongoing efforts to achieve these goals, we are conducting a survey with both students and staff to gather input and feedback. The surveys will help us understand the needs and strategies, e.g. amend our core hours and shape future action points that are reflective of the needs and concerns of our department.
We believe that it is essential to actively involve all members of our department in the pursuit of gender equality and inclusivity. By gathering input from both staff and students, we aim to create an environment that is supportive and welcoming to all individuals.
We are committed to achieving the Athena SWAN Silver award and making meaningful progress towards gender equality in the Health Sciences department. Through our ongoing efforts, we hope to create a culture that values and celebrates diversity, and provides opportunities for all members of our community to thrive.
Athena SWAN Initiatives at the Health Sciences Department
At the Health Sciences Department, we are committed to promoting gender equality and creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff. We run several Athena SWAN initiatives, including:
Aurora Programme
This initiative is designed for women in academic, research, or professional services who would like to develop their careers and explore the avenues to leadership.
Staff Development Program
Our internal Staff Development Team delivers an exciting learning and development program to support your personal and professional growth.
Brunel Mentoring Network
This initiative provides you with a mentor to help you focus on your career or personal development goals.
Baby Room
We have taken a significant step to support female staff members by providing a mothering room. This room provides a comfortable, welcoming, and hygienic environment for the expression and storage of milk and is available to staff during and after pregnancy.
Athena SWAN Core Hours
The Health Sciences Department follows a core meeting hours policy. All departmental meetings, seminars, workshops, and social gatherings that all staff would attend are held within core hours of 10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday. As part of our ongoing efforts to achieve these goals, we are conducting a survey with both students and staff to gather input and feedback. The survey will help us amend our core hours and shape future action points that are reflective of the needs and concerns of our staff.
Flexible Working Scheme
Our flexible working scheme helps staff with caring responsibilities to benefit from a more flexible approach to working. Line Managers undertake managing flexible working training to be supportive of requests for flexible working. As part of our ongoing efforts to achieve these goals, we are conducting a survey with both students and staff to gather input and feedback. The survey will help shape future action points that are reflective of the needs and concerns of our department.
How Can You Get Involved?
Since 2020, the Health Sciences Department's Athena SWAN program is implemented and monitored by Dr. Kei Long Cheung (with deputy lead Prof. Joy Conway) and the CHMLS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Committee chaired by Dr. Michael Thomas. For any inquiries related to the Health Sciences Department's Athena SWAN activities, please contact any of the CHMLS ED&I Committee members or the Health Sciences Athena SWAN Lead.