Athena Swan is a global framework and accreditation scheme used in higher education and research to support and transform gender equality.
The accreditation was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.
Since its launch, the charter has expanded to include all academic disciplines, professional services functions, professional services staff, trans staff and students and addressing gender equality more broadly, including intersectionally, beyond barriers to progression that affect women.
Athena Swan at London Met
London Met successfully received the Athena Swan Bronze Renewal Award in 2026, building on our original Bronze Award achieved in 2021.
The Advance HE panel highlighted several strengths in our submission, including strong senior leadership and institutional commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, a strong intersectional approach and a robust governance framework. The panel also commended the University for the way staff voices and feedback informed the self-assessment and action plan.
Our Athena Swan Action Plan 2026-2031
Our Athena Swan Action Plan 2026-2031 has five priorities;
- Embedding Athena Swan charter principles across London Met.
- Develop intersectional approaches to AS activities.
- Realise a culture where all staff and students belong, flourish and realise their potential and is free of bullying and harassment.
- Develop policies and practices that increase staff diversity at all levels of the organisation.
- Implement policies and practices that increase student equity, outcomes and progression.
The plan includes 38 strategic actions, supported by detailed sub-actions, responsibilities, timescales and measures of success. Together, these build on progress already made in areas including inclusive recruitment, flexible working, staff networks, governance and gender equity.
ASREC used data from the institutional staff profile, CEI Staff Culture Survey 2025 and subsequent focus groups to provide evidence for each action.
The Athena Swan Action Plan was approved by the Senior Leadership Team in March 2026.
Departmental Submissions
Athena Swan departmental submissions allow academic schools and professional services departments to evaluate their commitment to gender equality at a local level. This includes analysing staff and student data, reviewing progression and recruitment, and creating an action plan.
London Met is committed to developing departmental and school Athena Swan submissions, as stated in action 3 of our Athena Swan Action Plan 2026-2031. Departmental Self-Assessment Teams (SATs) will be established across Schools and Professional Service areas in 2026–27.
