Lancaster University receives Bronze SWAN Award

Lancaster University has received a Bronze SWAN Award in recognition of work to encourage the employment and career progression of women employed in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).

Feedback from the panel of judges was positive and they were particularly impressed by the University's outreach work to girls and for the family friendly policies which include support for childcare through the flexible benefits scheme.

This award recognises Lancaster’s achievement in recognising key information about the University’s staff profile; providing positive support for women at key career transition points and changing the culture and the gender balance in decision making.

In particular the panel was pleased that Lancaster was addressing gender imbalances and felt that there was a good institutional culture to support future developments.

Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Amanda Chetwynd said: “Lancaster has made good progress in the employment of women in academic positions. The percentage of women in lecturer posts has markedly increased over the last 4 years and there has been a steady increase in senior posts. The University is committed to equal opportunities and was commended by the judges for its family friendly policies. We also work hard within the region to encourage an increased proportion of young women into SET disciplines.

“We are proud of our female membership on key decision making committees and have a strong gender balance in this area.”

The University’s strategic plan has a strong commitment to equal opportunity and has as one of its key performance indicators staff satisfaction and diversity of staff. New HR practices are being introduced to ensure that the University continues to attract and retain excellent staff and students with diverse backgrounds.

The University is committed to address the development needs of staff, workload pressure and work/life balance. Lancaster has making progress in the following areas:

· The percentage of women in lecturer posts markedly increased over 4 years and there has been a steady increase in female senior lecturers.

· The proportion of women appointed to academic and research posts has consistently exceeded the proportion of female applicants.

· The total number of female professors reflects national levels in the Faculty of Science and Technology, but as the positive trends feed through from lecturer numbers this is expected to increase.