Advertisements for new posts have been carefully assessed to ensure that they do not result in bias towards the applicants, including checking of the wording of adverts and further particulars with gender decoders. Additionally, they have directly encouraged high calibre individuals to apply. This has been done by advertising within the department so that current academics can propose potential academics from their wider network. The Head of Department has then personally contacted these individuals in order to draw their attention to the post and encourage them to apply. Approaching high calibre academics prior to the shortlisting stage has had an effect by increasing the number of appointable female academics that apply. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the proportion of females at the Interview Stage (25% to 46%) and who Accept offers (27% to 67%).
Target Group
Academic staff
Initiative Theme
Outreach
Recruitment
Targeted to women/men
Initiative institution
Imperial College
Application type
Athena Swan Initiative
Publication date