The Athena SWAN charter was established in 2005 by the Equalities Challenge Unit (ECU) to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.

In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. The School of Public Health was awarded the Athena SWAN Silver Award in 2010, which was renewed and ran until 2017.

In 2019 the School was awarded a Bronze Athena Swan Award.