Athena SWAN was implemented to advance the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics (STEMM). In 2015, the charter was expanded to also include arts, humanities, social science, business and law (AHSSBL) disciplines as well as professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The Race Equality Charter helps institutions in their work to identify and address the barriers facing Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and students, while also providing a framework for action and improvement.
Kent is proud of its work in both areas, and of the significant advancements it has made to secure a more equitable experience for our female and racially minoritised staff and students. You can read our applications and action plans via the links below.
A word from Associate PVC EDI Gurprit Lall on the importance of our work to challenge racism
"Kent is committed to challenging racism in all its forms—both within our structures and in everyday interactions. We are proud of the rich ethnic diversity of our staff and student communities, and we recognise the immense strengths, insights, and innovations that this diversity brings to our collective work and learning environment.
We know that becoming an actively anti-racist institution is not something that happens by chance, or overnight and is a goal that we are absolutely committed to. As part of this commitment, we have developed a comprehensive Race Equality Charter Action Plan and a robust Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, with work in this area scrutinised termly by our Race Equality Charter Monitoring Group. We are actively engaged in the Living Black at University project and its associated action plan, ensuring that the lived experiences of our Black students shape meaningful and lasting change. We actively seek out ethnically diverse voice and opinions at all levels of decision making. Our Student Success Project and Diversity Mark are flagships initiatives. We champion a range of initiatives that support our community, including our staff Global Majority Network, which plays a vital role in fostering belonging, visibility, and empowerment.
We remain dedicated to creating an inclusive, anti-racist institution where everyone can thrive."