Gender equality wins national recognition

Sunderland University’s school of psychology has been officially recognised for its commitment to gender equality.

The department has earned an Athena SWAN bronze award – recognised across the globe to support and transform gender equality within Higher Education and research.

The university earned an institutional Athena SWAN bronze award in 2019, but psychology is the first department to be individually recognised.

Dr Helen Driscoll, principal lecturer and team leader for psychology, said: “We are delighted to find that generally our students see the School of Psychology as a safe and welcoming space, and that staff see it as an inclusive, liberal workplace. Genuine commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is absolutely central to our ethos.

“We have put our hearts into this, as well as many hours of work, because we want to advance equality, diversity and inclusion in the school.”

The school committed to a four-year action plan focusing on male psychology and the under-representation of male psychology and counselling students as well as developing the careers of women and supporting members of other under-represented groups. Helen added: “We also recognise that gender equality issues affect trans students and we provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment for them.”

Justine Gillespie, equality, diversity and inclusion manager at the university, said: “All too often we class gender equality as a women’s issue when, in reality, gender equality is everyone’s issue.”