LPS joins scheme to improve gender equality

LPS joins scheme to improve gender equality. The School of Law, Politics and Sociology (LPS) at Sussex has joined the pilot of a national scheme to improve gender equality in the arts, humanities and social sciences. The trial of the Gender Equality Charter Mark , co-ordinated by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), extends the work of the existing Athena SWAN Charter, which focuses on improving prospects for women scientists. Sussex was awarded the Athena SWAN bronze award in April 2013 for its commitment to improving employment practices in recruiting and promoting women to senior positions in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) subjects. The Gender Equality Charter Mark builds on the principles used in Athena SWAN but also covers: All arts, humanities and social sciences disciplines Under-representation of men at certain levels and disciplines Professional and support staff Transgender equality Many academics in LPS have research interests in gender-equality issues across the legal, social and political sciences. The School is also home to the University's Centre for Gender Studies. This made LPS a good candidate for the pilot, said its Head of School, Professor Stephen Shute.