06/12/2024
The Institute is delighted to have had a renewal of its Silver Athena Swan Award. The is a globally-recognised framework to support gender equality in higher education and research. This level of award recognises an organisation鈥檚 substantial progress towards creating a more equitable and inclusive environment.
The award is the third consecutive Silver award received by the Institute, with the first award gained in 2015 and a renewal of this in 2018 under the expanded charter. In this time, the Institute鈥檚 efforts in this area have established a flourishing programme to overcome inequity in access to opportunities or due to biases and underrepresentation.
The Institute鈥檚 equity4success (e4s) steering group oversees delivery of the Institute鈥檚 equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, with broad representation of roles from across the Institute and also of lived experience.
Dr Hayley Sharpe, steering group chair and research group leader at the Institute, said: 鈥淎n inclusive research culture is key to our ability to deliver world-class research. It鈥檚 been a pleasure to witness the dedication to improving everyone鈥檚 experience at the Institute during my two years as chair and to work with my colleagues to turn this into tangible action that makes a difference. I鈥檇 like to acknowledge the work of my predecessors and all members of the steering group, past and present, in helping to get us to where we are today. We鈥檙e not there yet, there鈥檚 still work to be done and we look forward to continuing our efforts to create a welcoming, supportive and positive community.鈥
Progress made
Achievements resulting from the Institute鈥檚 former action plans include:
The panel feedback highlighted the strong structures and support in place at the Institute to underpin and recognise gender equality work. These include committed support from the Institute鈥檚 leadership team and a dedicated role to lead the e4s strategic initiative.
Continuing towards equity
Looking ahead to 2024-2029, the e4s programme will focus on four key priorities:
Dr Simon Cook, Institute Director and a member of the equity4success steering group, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted by this achievement and the progress we have made by looking in-depth at how to best support our staff community in an equitable way. Our future action plan continues our ambitious approach and I鈥檓 excited to support new initiatives that bring an innovative approach to ensuring everyone can flourish and thrive in their work.鈥
The Institute's application and action plan are available to support transparency and the exchange of good practice.
Ensuring a positive workplace culture
E4s is one of five strategic initiatives at the Institute to ensure and progress a positive workplace culture. The additional four are:
Press contact: Dr Louisa Wood, Head of Communications, louisa.wood@babraham.ac.uk
Image description: Members of the Babraham Institute community in an annual staff photo taken in September 2024.
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