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Gender Equality in UCD

Call for Expression of Interest: Gender Equality Action Group 2025 - 2029

You are invited to submit an expression of interest to join UCD’s Gender Equality Action Group (GEAG).  The GEAG will support the implementation of the Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2025 – 2029 following the  successful achievement of the Silver Athena Swan award at institutional level.  The GEAG is also responsible for acting as the Self-Assessment Team for the Institutional Athena Swan applications and overseeing School/Unit level applications.

Under the revised Athena Swan charter, the aims of Athena Swan and the GEAP are to not only support progress in the area of gender equality but also to take an intersectional approach recognising the interconnection between gender and other diverse characteristics. Activities undertaken as part of the GEAP implementation play a vital role in continuing the progressive work carried out to date in a sustainable manner to support equality across all genders and diversity more broadly and therefore benefits all in UCD.

Scroll down for more information about the Expression of Interest form and Terms of Reference.

Professor Emma Sokell, Dean of Graduate Studies, Head of School, Gender Equality Action Group co-chair

I got involved in the Gender Equality Action Group (GEAG) as a women working in a male dominated discipline, and have served two-terms on the committee, one as co-chair. This period has seen UCD go from an institution with a Bronze Athena Swan award to one with a Silver award, with an associated significant change in culture. Since getting involved, I have formed the strong view that a university that is more conscious of those from underrepresented backgrounds is more welcoming for them and is consequently better for everyone. I am proud to have been involved with the activities of the GEAG, because they have resulted in real change across the institution. Specifically, I have valued the insights that I have gained by being involved with Schools and Colleges applying for Athena Swan awards. Whilst their have been significant improvements, the work of the GEAG remains critical in ensuring that UCD continues to be an institution that supports all members of its community to fulfil their potential

Professor Simon Kelly, College of Engineering and Architecture

I have participated on the Gender Equality Action Group for two terms, in which time I worked on UCD's Bronze renewal and Silver Athena Swan awards and their associated actions, among other projects and initiatives. Even leaving aside the fact that gender equality is an issue I care about, I have found the work itself to be a significant driver of both personal development and institutional improvement. It gave me not only insights into the systems, motivations and operations of UCD up to the highest level, but also a seat at the table to critique and improve them. GEAG membership is in fact a position of influence in the university; I was always closely listened to, and my efforts turned into executed actions - ones I am very proud of. All of these efforts were alongside those of fantastic colleagues from across the campus - a diverse mix of academics from varied disciplines and at all grades, and professional, managerial and support staff from a range of offices and systems in the university. The collegiality and shared passion among this team is one of the most positive aspects of the work, as was the tireless work, vision and support of an excellent EDI unit. 

Mark Simpson, Senior Manager Engagement and Internal Communications

The work of the Gender Equality Action Group (GEAG) and the implementation of the Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) are vital in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment at UCD. By actively promoting gender equity, we empower individuals across all genders to thrive, feel valued, and truly belong. As a member, I've personally gained a deeper understanding of how collective action can create lasting change, fostering a stronger, more united community where everyone’s voice matters

Call for Expression of Interest: Steps

We welcome expressions of interest from UCD employees from all backgrounds to join the Gender Equality Action Group. As set out in the Gender Equality Action Plan 2025 - 2029, the University is committed to ensuring that there is diverse membership on the Gender Equality Action Group, including gender, ethnicity, employee category, discipline and others. Current areas of under-representation identified on the GEAG when developing the Athena Swan silver application and where expressions of interest would be particularly welcome include:

  • Ethnic minorities representatives
  • Male Representatives
  • Members of the LGBTI community
  • College/School based Professional/Managerial/Support staff
  • Representatives from across all disciplines and in particular Science and Arts and Humanities

It is essential that this group consists of individuals who will bring different perspectives as well as lived experiences, skills and expertise to guarantee that the work of the group aligns with the objectives as set out in the terms of reference.

Completed forms and any queries should be sent to: (opens in a new window)edi@ucd.ie by 5pm on Wednesday, 26 March with Gender Equality Action Group as the subject text.

You are advised to read the Terms of Reference for information on the role of the Group.

Download the Expression of Interest Form. 

Please ensure that you discuss participation on this group with your line manager in advance due to the time commitment involved.

Further information on Athena Swan and the current GEAP 2025 - 2029 is available below here.

University College Dublin (UCD) is dedicated to promoting gender diversity, equality, and inclusion within the University. To learn more about UCD’s efforts in advancing gender equality continue reading below.

UCD now holds an Institutional Silver Award

UCD has been awarded the prestigious institutional Silver Athena Swan Award in recognition of its ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and building capacity for evidence-based equality work across all equality grounds, building on our Bronze Awards from 2017 and 2020. We extend our gratitude to the entire University community for their support and engagement throughout this process.

To achieve this accreditation, the University conducted a thorough self-assessment of gender equality challenges and demonstrated significant progress and impact since receiving our Bronze Award in 2020. Additionally, UCD engaged in consultations with employees and students, using their feedback to strengthen the application and guide the development of the Gender Equality Action Plan 2024 - 2029.

To view UCD's Gender Equality Action Plan 2024 - 2029, please click here.

Advance HE Ireland’s Feedback on UCD’s Silver Institutional Athena Swan Application

The awarding body, Advance HE Ireland, commended the University for its efforts in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across several areas. They recognized the strong structures and processes in place, including evidence of strong leadership and senior commitment, supported by clear governance structures such as the Vice President for EDI, Vice Principals for EDI, the EDI Sub-Committee of UMT, and various Sub-Groups and Working Groups within the EDI Unit.

Advance HE Ireland also highlighted the University’s advanced EDI data collection systems, which enable an evidence-based approach to identifying challenges and opportunities. Significant achievements under the last Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) included achieving gender balance across the Governing Authority (GA), Academic Council, and UMT; the appointment of UCD’s first female President; and notable improvements in gender balance at senior academic levels, with women at Full Professor level rising from 24% in 2019 to 32% in 2023, and at Professor level from 30% in 2019 to 44% in 2023.

The comprehensive review of the Dignity and Respect policy, which led to the publication of UCD’s new Bullying and Harassment policy and Sexual Misconduct policy in 2021, was also cited as a sectoral best practice. The subsequent establishment of the Dignity and Respect Support Service was similarly praised.

Guidance on using the Athena SWAN Silver logo in communications, including letterheads and email signatures, is provided below under the Athena Swan Ireland logo tile.

Supports

AS-Bronze_Colour English Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) Progress Report (2020 - 2024)
Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) Progress Report (2020 - 2024)
Athena Swan Silver logo Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2024-2029
Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2024-2029
Slider 2 Gender Equality Action Group
Gender Equality Action Group
Campus Athena Swan Institutional Silver Application - Working Groups
Membership of each AS Institutional working group
Learn more about Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Application Employee Consultation Process Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Application Employee Consultation Process
Learn more about Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Application Employee Consultation Process
Learn more about Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Application Student Consultation Process Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Application Student Consultation Process
Learn more about Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Application Student Consultation Process
Flags Athena SWAN Schools
UCD Schools with Athena SWAN accreditation
Information on the Gender Equality and EDI Accelerator Fund UCD Gender Equality and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Accelerator Fund
Information on the Gender Equality and EDI Accelerator Fund
Learn more about the Athena Swan Ireland Charter and the application process Athena Swan Ireland Charter
Learn more about the Athena Swan Ireland Charter and the application process
How to download Athena Swan Logos How to download Athena Swan Logos
How to download Athena Swan Logos

Additional Resources & Information on Athena SWAN.

With Horizon Europe, the Commission re-affirms its commitment to gender equality in research and innovation and sets gender equality as a cross-cutting priority. As a result, having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) will be an eligibility criterion for certain categories of legal entities, including public bodies, from EU Member States and associated countries. This requirement will apply to all calls for proposals with a deadline in 2022 onwards. Horizon Europe has set out what it requires in a GEP with four mandatory process-related requirements as follows:

  1. Publication of a formal document
  2. Dedicated resources in gender equality
  3. Data collection and monitoring of gender
  4. Training and awareness raising on gender equality/unconscious bias

There are also five thematic themes that it requires an institution to address either in the GEP or broader EDI action plans (see Figure 1). The following statement demonstrates how UCD meets these GEP requirements in Horizon Europe.

Figure 1: Horizon Europe GEP Eligibility

Download the Horizon Europe - GEP Requirements document

Contact UCD Equality Diversity and Inclusion

University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
E: edi@ucd.ie