The University of Cambridge is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity.

The Athena SWAN Charter was set up in 2005 by the Government’s Equality Challenge Unit to advance the retention of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM). The University of Cambridge is a founder member of the Charter and holds a Bronze Award.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is fully committed to upholding the aims of the Charter, and as part of the University’s School of Clinical Medicine, we are proud to have achieved a renewal of our Silver Award in 2017.

The Role of the Equality Champion

The role of the Clinical School’s Equality Champions is to actively champion and increase the visibility of the School’s commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing, and to promote good practice by:

• Facilitating increased awareness of Diversity and Inclusion, Athena SWAN and the Wellbeing Programme within the school by dissemination of information from the Equality and Diversity Coordinator and Athena SWAN Governance Group
• Providing updates about departmental activities and sharing best practice by attending at least two out of three termly Equality Champions meetings each year, and by filling in the School’s Departmental Activities Spreadsheet
• Providing a point of contact for others within the department, especially new starters
• Providing a link between the Athena SWAN Governance Group and the staff within the department
• Increasing awareness of working culture issues by ensuring Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a standing agenda item at departmental meetings and awaydays, and providing updates relating to the various programmes
• Encouraging and widening participation in the school’s initiatives, including staff survey, appraisal and E&D training initiatives
• Advocating for Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing matters within the University and externally.
• Ensuring innovative ideas for improving wellbeing and working life are heard by the School. At some point you might wish to consider joining the Athena SWAN Governance Group and steering the School to improve the working environment for all.

A range of training opportunities and initiatives are available to ensure that members of the University community are made aware of equalities law and good practice in relation to equality and diversity. Completion of the Equality and diversity training module is one way that members of the Department can increase their knowledge, understanding and skills in this area.