Ref.

Planned Actions

Q2 2026 Update 

1.2.1

Monitor the existing timeframe for remaining academic depts engaging with the self-assessment process to ensure full engagement by 2026. Continue to provide adequate institutional support to depts carrying out self-assessment processes.

Three Athena Swan departmental awards were attained in Q2 2026 - one a first time Bronze award and two bronze renewal awards: 

• School of Theology, Philosophy & Music (Bronze Award),
• Business School (Bronze renewal Award)
• School of Communications (Bronze renewal Award). 

Three other applications have been submitted and are awaiting outcome: Institute of Education, School of English, School of History & Geography.

With Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge commencing their Athena Swan process, we have reached our target of 100% of academic schools engaging with Athena Swan by the end of 2026. 

Ref.

Planned Actions

Q2 2026 Update

2.4.8

Develop additional policies to support employees, including a Fertility Treatment Leave Policy and a Surrogacy Leave Policy.

University Executive approved two policies in June 2026: 

• A new Pregnancy Loss & Fertility Treatment Policy; which provides 10 days paid leave for those experiencing a loss and 10 days paid leave for those undergoing fertility treatment (with an overall cap of 30 days). 
• A revised Adoptive and Surrogacy Leave Policy, which includes provisions for those having a baby via surrogacy. 

Ref.

Planned Actions

Q2 2026 Update 

1.2.2

Develop key Working Groups (WGs) to lead on the implementation of relevant frameworks, including an Athena Swan WG, ensuring representation from across the University. This WG will lead on implementation of this action plan.

Develop specific ToRs for these groups. Other groups proposed are Race Equality WG, Dignity, Respect & Sexual Violence Prevention WG, Disability WG.

A new Disability Equality Working Group was established in Q2 2026, with its first meeting held in June 2026. Terms of Reference for this Group have been finalised. A programme of work for the Group is in development based on ToR. 

Ref.

Planned Actions

Q2 2026 Update 

1.2.3

Develop an ‘I Am’ campaign to showcase diversity within the DCU Community. 

QuID funding application was obtained to support the development of the ‘I Am’ campaign. This campaign will align with a national ‘Trust in Data, Strength in Diversity’ project which will run in Q1 2027.