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Evolution of Athena Swan in the University of Galway

Background of Athena Swan at University of Galway

University of Galway has been an Athena Swan Charter member since 2015 and received its second Athena SWAN Bronze institutional award in recognition of the university’s work towards gender equality in 2021. Following the University's Bronze accreditation, the Institutional Self-Assessment Team (ISAT) evolved into the Athena Swan Institutional Steer Group which oversees the implementation of the University's Athena SWAN action plan.

More information about the Institutional Self-Assessment Team who led the Athena Swan application and the Institutional Athena Swan Steering Group that are driving implementation of the Action Plan can be found here.

How has Athena Swan evolved?

A new Athena Swan Ireland Charter was introduced in 2022.
Athena Swan Ireland no longer just focuses on women – applicants are asked to focus on intersectionality and how policies and practices impact all staff and students. Athena Swan is for all staff and students at University of Galway no matter who you are or what your background is
Athena Swan Ireland now asks applicants to specifically consider Professional, Managerial and Support Service Staff and Technical Staff’s experiences
The new Athena Swan Ireland Charter has greater emphasis on supporting research staff.

Athena Swan and University Governance

Athena Swan activity is embedded in the University’s EDI and Governance Structure. There is a direct line from individual staff members to our University's core decision making bodies. Progress reports on the action plan are provided quarterly to the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Campus Committee (EDICC) and bi-annually to UMT and Governing Authority via the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Campus Committee (EDICC).

The Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (OVPEDI)

The Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (OVPEDI) leads on engagement with the Athena SWAN Charter and embedding Athena SWAN principles in the University. Vice-Deans for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all four Colleges provide leadership and support for Athena SWAN activity at school level.

‌University of Galway’s commitment to Athena Swan is explicit in the University Strategy 2020-2025: 'We will maintain our Athena Swan Bronze Award and aim to achieve institutional Silver-level accreditation to further advance diversity and equality in the University'. A goal of the EDI Strategy 2020-2025 is to 'Achieve an institutional Athena Swan Silver Award'.

Time-line of the University of Galway Athena Swan Achievements and Milestones