The Question

Is the University demonstrating its commitment to gender equality principles within its policies, practices, action plans and culture?​

Following their membership of the Athena SWAN charter, our University client wanted to explore if it was achieving KEY objectives and demonstrating its commitment to gender equality principles within its policies, practices, action plans and culture.​

This research was used to help them prepare for their application for the Athena Swan recognition award.​

The Solution

Platypus worked in partnership with the team at the University to recruit and set up focus group research with students and staff to explore their lived experiences of the culture at the university and provide an honest forum to share positive and negative experiences.​

We set up and run inclusive research sessions that gave a diverse range of staff and students a chance to express their thoughts and opinions.

The Impact

Research were written for each individual sample group including:

• Students​ at different stages of their university journey
• The global majority communities
• People involved in the LGBTIQA+ ​community
• Early-career and Mid-career​ employees
• Professors ​
• Post-doc and research Professional Services​
• Career break returners​

The research findings helped the University in their successful application for Bronze Award status.​