Gender Diversity at Northumbria University

Northumbria holds a Bronze Athena Swan award and work is well underway with Northumbria’s ambition to progress to Silver Institutional Athena Swan Award, with a planned submission date of March 2025.

Every academic department has now achieved a Bronze Athena Swan award. Each department has a 5-year action plan that addresses their specific issues of gender inequality found in their respective self-assessment processes.

A series of workshops centred around key Athena Swan themes were facilitated throughout the year, the aim of which was to identify potential areas of overlap where collective actions can effectively address gender equality issues. This year’s workshops covered topics which included exploring actions in recruitment to ensure fairness and inclusivity which to improve diversity;fair and transparent development and implementation of HR policies that promote gender equality and inclusion;actions to create a family-friendly work environment;improving induction and ensuring there is no gender bias;and how we improve the Personal Development Appraisals process (PDA) to increase engagement and ensure there is no gender bias.

In support of commitments to fostering gender diversity at a senior level at Northumbria we have continued to support women to participate in Advance HE’s Senior Women’s Leadership Programme. Tailored specifically for women aspiring to attain senior positions in higher education, it is aimed at colleagues in roles at Grade 8 and above who aspire to executive-level positions. It offers valuable insights and skills development where participants delve into key strategic areas of operation, gaining expertise in institutional finance, structures, and governance. The programme supports Northumbria in nurturing a pipeline of talented and capable women leaders, who will make a significant impact within the University and higher education sector.

Northumbria University has a women's network that aims to raise the profile of women at Northumbria;create a supportive, collaborative and motivational space;be a forum for discussion and a voice to raise issues that affect members;provide informal mentoring and networking opportunities and look at ways to support career development.