The UCL School of Management has successfully renewed its Athena Swan Bronze accreditation, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education.

The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. The charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine employment.

The School was originally awarded its Bronze accreditation back in 2020, after implementing a strong evidence-based action plan to improve gender equality, women’s representation in senior positions and to encourage a more inclusive culture.

At the time the success rate in Athena Swan accreditation for business schools was only 30%. Being one of the few business schools to receive the Bronze Award demonstrated the School’s commintment to challenging these norms. 

The successful renewal reflects a significant collective effort from across the School. Professor Raina Brands, the School’s Lead on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, led the application process and upon receiving the award expressed her gratitude to the School’s Accreditation and Diversity Coordinator, Sinéad Togher, “for her outstanding work in coordinating the renewal process.”

Raina also thanked Director Davide Ravasi, School Manager Jackie Loveland, Lecturer Danusia Wysocki, and PhD candidates Chesta Ahuja and Jingze Wang “for their thoughtful engagement, contributions and support throughout the process. Their input as being critical in shaping both the submission and the accompanying action plan.”

With the Bronze renewal confirmed, implementation of the new Athena Swan action plan is already underway. The School will continue this work over the coming years, with the aim of submitting a strong application for a Silver award in 2031.