Cambridge Judge Business School honoured for gender equality

The Athena Swan Charter, established in 2005 by Advance HE’s Equality Charters, is a global framework to transform gender equality within higher education and research.

Initially devised to advance the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM), the Charter has since been expanded to address inequality more broadly.

The award is based on a methodology that includes self-assessment; peer review by academics, professional staff, human resources practitioners and others; and continuous progression toward equality. It is valid for an initial five years.

Cambridge Judge applied for the Bronze Award based on an Action Plan designed to demonstrate the Business School’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of its community.

Following surveys and focus group recommendations, the Business School’s key priority areas included improving gender representation across faculty, professional staff and students, ensuring inclusion and belonging, and implementing practices to increase wellbeing and mental health support.

Manaz Javaid, the Business School’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager who served as Athena Swan Project Manager, and Vice-Dean Jane Davies, who chaired the School’s Self-Assessment Team, said: “We would like to recognise the work of the Cambridge Judge Self-Assessment Team (SAT), which comprised representatives from across the Cambridge Judge community. SAT members contributed their valuable input, feedback and guidance throughput the process and in building the Action Plan.

“It has been truly rewarding to see the motivation, drive and input from everyone involved in shaping the school's drive for gender equality.

Professor Gishan Dissanaike, Interim Dean of the Business School, added: “Cambridge Judge Business School is thrilled to be awarded this prestigious Athena Swan Bronze award, which recognises the dedication throughout the School to ensure gender equality. We are working hard to provide an inclusive and welcoming workplace, and this award clearly reflects these efforts.

“Cambridge Judge will continue to work tirelessly over the initial five years of this award implementing our Action Plan to enhance gender equality and inclusion more broadly.”