Today, National College of Ireland received an Athena SWAN Bronze Institution Award in recognition of the College’s commitment to gender equality and an intersectionally inclusive environment.

“It was important to us, in building our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, to have real measures for success,” said NCI President, Gina Quin.

“An Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award allows us to build actionable good practice in making our staff and students genuinely included. It is won by sincere effort, from all stakeholders in the College, and I would like to thank everyone involved. I would also like to thank Advance HE for this very beautiful award, which we will be very proud to display.”

The cornerstone to NCI’s submission for the Athena SWAN Bronze Award is the 2020–2024 Gender Equality Action Plan. This plan touches on the experiences of staff and students at every stage of college life, from prospective staff and students, through training and development opportunities, and ongoing policy review. The College has committed to measurable actions that will have positive impact on gender equality, and broader diversity and inclusivity.

NCI President Gina Quin said,
“NCI is also undertaking critical work in other areas, for example to increase accessibility and inclusion for minority ethnic communities and people with disabilities. In April this year, we were proud to be designated an Autism Friendly HEI by AsIAm, only the second HEI to achieve this status. We will not rest on our laurels: we will continue to build a College Community that is safe and welcoming for all.”