Lancaster University has improved its Athena Swan Institutional Award from Bronze to Silver.
The new award, which was received this month, recognises the University's ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality within higher education and research.
The Institutional Silver status adds to the University's 13 departmental and faculty awards, including four Silver awards and nine Bronze awards.
The Athena Swan Charter is a global framework developed by Advance HE to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. Lancaster has been a member since 2008.
In 2024, the University established an Institutional Self-Assessment Team (ISAT) to evaluate current practice, develop an action plan and apply for a Silver Award.
The University's application, which was submitted earlier this year, pointed to a range of institutional successes.
They include embedding EDI across leadership and governance, developing inclusive policies, and supporting awareness events helped foster a more visible, supportive and engaged EDI culture across the University.
Meanwhile, support for staff and students with parental and caring responsibilities was strengthened by enhancing leave provision, improving guidance and creating more family-friendly facilities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Decent said: "We are incredibly proud to be awarded the Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award, which reflects a genuine commitment within our University to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered.
"Thank you to all of the ISAT members and everyone who has supported their work.
"We must now build on the efforts that led to this award and continue striving to achieve equality for all at Lancaster."
Soon after joining Lancaster University in 2025, Professor Kendi Guantai, Dean for Culture and Inclusion, took on the role of ISAT Co-Chair alongside Andrew Barker, now Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Colleges.
Professor Guantai said: "This is a significant milestone built on collective dedication, care, and expertise across the institution.
"While recognition of our action plan is important, our shared responsibility now is to ensure it is meaningfully realised through sustained commitment, thoughtful governance, and a focus on lasting cultural change."
A new action plan is due to launch in September 2026 and will be available on the University's Athena Swan webpages.
