Gender Equality

We value the unique differences and needs that each of our colleagues bring to work every day. Together, we will strive to build an inclusive institution that reflects society.

Collage of portraits in the Great Hall — A series of 10 portraits of women at the University of Bristol, commissioned to celebrate 100 years since the first women in Britain won the right to vote. Image credit: Jessica Augarde Photography

What we are doing

Athena Swan Charter

We are a founder member of the Athena Swan Charter and currently hold 20 School-level awards and an Institutional Silver level award, guided by the staff EDI Team.

The Athena Swan Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment. It is now being used globally to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

Swan Implementation Group

The role of the Swan Implementation Group is to raise awareness of gender equality issues (for all staff), help develop solutions, oversee the institutional Athena Swan action plan and advise EDI-SMIG gender-inclusive strategies, highlight barriers and inequalities, and also share best practice from Schools and Faculties.

Gender Pay Gap

Gender Pay Gap Reporting

We are using an evidence-based approach to understand the reasons for our gender pay gap and we are working with our staff and unions to reduce this. We are also committed to ensuring equal pay for all our employees and to conducting Equal Pay Audits on a regular basis.

We publish a detailed report each year which statistically captures our gender and ethnicity pay gaps, identifies the key issues affecting our population and outlines the work we have been doing, and plan to do, to close the gap.

Landmark agreement with Bristol UCU

In 2020, an ambitious landmark agreement between the University of Bristol and the Bristol branch of the University and College Union (UCU) was signed. This collective agreement outlined the key actions to be taken to tackle the gender pay gap issue.

Development Opportunities

Trans Awareness Training
The central staff EDI Team have commissioned ‘Trans Awareness: The Basics’ training, which is an entry-level online session delivered by Gendered Intelligence that introduces the key ideas and information people need to know about trans-related matters, which is available for staff on the Develop platform.
WHEN 100 Black Women Professors
Overseen by the staff EDI Team, this unique 12-month programme aims to propel equity of opportunity for Black women academics, researchers and PhD students and to deliver a step change in progress for the sector by working with individuals throughout the academic pipeline as well as institutions, managers and leaders.
Bristol Women's Mentoring Network
The Bristol Women's Mentoring Network offers support to women at a career stage where they may be exploring their career options and deciding their next steps. The Network provides opportunities for female colleagues to engage in quality conversations about promotion and career development, supported by leadership training and mentoring.
Elevate
Elevate offers a unique opportunity for staff from Black, Asian or Minority ethnic backgrounds and who identify as female, to meet, share, support and learn together from universities across the South West.
Female Leadership Initiative
FLi is a development programme for those who identify as women. The programme is open to professional services and academic staff at any grade or career-stage. It aims at those who wish to hone their level of self-awareness and personal insight in order to develop their personal leadership style and influence.