Springboard Women’s Development Programme success

Members of the first cohort of Springboard graduates at Aberystwyth University

For the last four months, 20 women from academic and professional services departments at Aberystwyth University have taken part in the Springboard Women’s Development Programme, an award-winning development course for women delivered through a network of licensed trainers.

Springboard is highly regarded in the UK and is designed for women from all backgrounds, ages and stages in their lives who want to make a better world for themselves at work and home, whilst building the practical skills and confidence to take these steps.

For some women a positive outcome may be promotion and for others who stay in the same job, the benefits include a more positive attitude and a renewed sense of purpose.

Professor Kate Bullen, University Director of Ethics and Equality, explains; “This group will be the first cohort of the Springboard programme to have graduated from Aberystwyth University and the aim is to hold more in future.

“Providing training and support for women is a key deliverable in both our Athena SWAN and Gender Equality Chartermark action plans.

“Springboard, together with the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education’s Aurora programme, provide fantastic opportunities for women to take stock of their careers, plan what they want to achieve and identify, and develop, their skills and abilities.” 

One of the individuals who took part in the Springboard programme was Catrin Griffiths, International Partnerships Officer at the International Office. She explains; “This course is a voyage of self-discovery and is all about empowering individuals.

“We are in a position where we can make our own choices, improve ourselves and reach our own personal and career goals, and this course helps you realise your potential and appreciate that anything is possible.”

Aberystwyth University received its first Athena SWAN Charter Bronze Award in September 2014 which recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) in higher education and research.

The University was also awarded a Bronze Award for the Gender Equality Charter Mark (GEM) this year which recognises commitment to gender equality in the arts, humanities and social sciences. GEM also recognises work on equality for professional support staff as well as academics.

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