Athena Swan Governance Committee

Professor Sara Mole

Chair of the Athena Swan Governance Committee
Envoy for Gender Equality, University College London

Professor Sara Mole is Envoy for Gender Equality at University College London and a researcher in Batten disease. She has led Athena Swan activity within her department, achieving its first Silver award in 2009 and Gold in 2016. She now supports gender equality at institutional level, where UCL holds a Silver award and more than 40 departments have Athena Swan recognition, including four Gold. Sara chairs the Gender Equality Steering Group and works closely with senior leadership to drive progress. She also contributes to the Athena Swan Governance Committee, supporting the ongoing development and impact of the Charter across the UK and internationally.

Professor Uduak Archibong, MBE

Pro Vice-Chancellor (E, D & I), University of Bradford, UK

Professor Uduak Archibong is Professor of Diversity at the University of Bradford, where she directs the Centre for Inclusion and Diversity and leads strategic work on equality, diversity and inclusion. She was awarded an MBE in 2015 for services to higher education and equality.

Her career began in nursing in Nigeria, and she later earned a PhD from the University of Hull. With over 30 years’ experience, she is a recognised authority on inclusion and diversity, leading research and international collaborations. Her work has shaped understanding of workforce diversity and inclusive practice across higher education and healthcare globally.

Dr Katie Farrell

Gender Equality Officer, University of Glasgow and Chair of the Scotland Athena Swan Network

Dr Katie Farrell coordinates and supports the implementation of the Athena Swan Charter at the University of Glasgow, advancing gender equity across the institution. She brings a strong understanding of both the opportunities and challenges involved in delivering meaningful organisational change. Katie chairs the Athena Swan Scotland Network and represents the interests of members across the higher education and research sector. As a member of the Governance Committee, she is committed to shaping a Charter that remains rigorous, credible and responsive to sector needs, ensuring its continued impact during a period of significant change and uncertainty for higher education.

Professor Mary Hannon-Fletcher

Professor of Biomedical Sciences and Dean EDI, Ulster University

Dr Mary Hannon-Fletcher is a leading advocate for gender equality at Ulster University, where she has driven Athena Swan activity since the institution joined the Charter in 2013. As Athena Swan Champion, she led the University to achieve Bronze awards in 2014 and 2017, alongside departmental success including two Silver and eight Bronze awards. She chairs the University Self-Assessment Team and oversees delivery of the institutional action plan. Mary has also contributed across the UK and Ireland, strengthening collaboration and sharing practice. She is committed to advancing fairness in higher education and shaping the future development of the Athena Swan Charter.

Professor Fiona Karet

Former Director of Organisational Affairs, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge

Professor Fiona Karet is a clinically active academic nephrologist who combines research with leading a specialist renal service for inherited kidney disorders. She teaches and trains medical students and postgraduate clinicians locally and nationally. Fiona led Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine for ten years, securing two successful School-wide Athena Swan Silver awards. She brings experience of governance across universities, colleges and charities. As a member of the Athena Swan Governance Committee, she is committed to strengthening fairness, streamlining processes and ensuring the Charter continues to evolve while supporting meaningful progress across the sector.

Dr Pavel Ovseiko

Deputy Chair of the Athena Swan Governance Committee

Senior Research Fellow, University of Oxford

Dr Pavel Ovseiko leads a multidisciplinary programme of research and policy advocacy on gender equity and diversity across medical and social sciences. His work focuses on building evidence to support women’s advancement and leadership, developing metrics to assess progress, and exploring inclusive organisational cultures. He has led international studies on gender leadership gaps and evaluates the impact of Athena Swan action plans. His research highlights Athena Swan as a leading framework for change. As a member of the Governance Committee, he supports the continued development of a robust, evidence-based and globally influential Charter.

Professor Zoe Radnor FAcSS

Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Law

Professor Zoe Radnor is Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the College of Business and Social Science at Aston University, and a member of the University Executive Board. She leads delivery of the Aston 2030 vision and oversees key strategic projects. Her research focuses on performance and process improvement in public sector organisations.

Zoe is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Science and the British Academy of Management. She has championed gender equality throughout her career by supporting women’s networks, mentoring and leading inclusive leadership initiatives. She has also driven the development of comprehensive EDI strategies, embedding diversity and inclusion across university governance and culture.

Dr Kathryn N Gray

Associate Professor (Reader) Early American Literature, University of Plymouth

Dr Kathryn is an Associate Professor of English at the University of Plymouth and strategic lead for equality, diversity and inclusion within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. In this role, she has developed a strong understanding of the diverse needs of gender equality work across disciplines. She is particularly interested in embedding cultural change and advancing intersectionality within the sector, especially across AHSSBL disciplines. With experience in research leadership and management, she is committed to supporting the progression of women in academia and strengthening collaboration between AHSSBL and STEM through the continued development of the Athena Swan Charter.

Dr Kelly Vere, MBE

Director of Technical Strategy, University of Nottingham

Dr Kelly Vere MBE is Director of Technical Strategy at the University of Nottingham, where she leads a flagship programme supporting the development of more than 700 technical staff across the UK and Asia. A passionate advocate for technical careers, she founded the Technician Commitment, now supported by over 115 institutions. She leads the Research England-funded TALENT programme and has established major sector initiatives including the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit, Papin Prizes and TechxFest. In 2023, she was appointed to lead the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, further strengthening professional development and recognition for technical communities.