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.
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 TrainingThe 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.
- People DevelopmentPeople Development is the University of Bristol's new and updated Staff Development, helping you to thrive in your role, develop your career and realise your full potential. The initiatives are designed to support the University to develop the skills and talent it needs to deliver its ambitious strategy.
- Bristol Women's Mentoring NetworkThe 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.
- ElevateElevate 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 InitiativeFLi 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.
External Partners
The University of Bristol is a member of Advance HE. Advance HE is a member-led charity which aims to help higher education be the best it can be, with a vision for higher education providers and systems that are inclusive, sustainable and high-performing in all they do. Advance HE established the Athena Swan Charter, amongst others.
The University of Bristol is a signatory of the Bristol Women in Business Charter. The Charter requires signatories to demonstrate their commitment to progress on gender equality.
Gendered Intelligence is a trans-led and trans-involved registered charity that exists to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve trans people's quality of life, who were commissioned to run the Trans Awareness Training at the University.
The University of Bristol is a partner of WHEN, the Women's Higher Education Network. WHEN is the UK's first network for all women who work in the Higher Education sector. WHEN's forum reaches across the entire sector and includes a directory, online community, and mentoring programme.