The Equality Challenge Unit's Athena SWAN Charter was originally established to encourage, recognise and celebrate good practice towards the advancement of the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) employment in higher education and research institutions, and since 2015 has been expanded to include non-STEM schools and professional and support staff.

The Athena SWAN Charter covers women, trans staff and students (and men where appropriate) in relation to their progression into academia, their journey through career milestones and the environment in which they work.

"This award recognises our commitment to gender equality and in particular to advancing the careers of women in higher education. It also reflects our broader recognition of equality, diversity and inclusivity as fundamental values in our School - in all their aspects. 

The application was the product of exceedingly hard work by the Athena Swan working group, led by Professor Charlotte Villiers. I'd personally like to thank Charlotte for her dedicated and inspirational leadership on this work, while also thanking the other members of the team for their own, really important contributions."

- Professor Ken Oliphant, Head of School

Professor Charlotte Villiers said: “We are delighted to receive this Athena Swan Bronze Award. The process enabled us to evaluate our School in a constructive way. Bristol University Law School is vibrant, diverse and inclusive. Our new Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee will now be taking forward plans that will benefit all students and staff in the School in future years.”

Implementation of our Athena Swan action plan will now be undertaken by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, led by our new EDI Director, Dr Katie Bales. The plan is to build towards an application for an Athena Swan Silver Award in the next four years.