Responsible processes
We’re committed to practicing socially responsible values in everything that we do in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering.
We're building a positive culture by offering career development support for all staff, as well as prioritising wellbeing by providing a number of working day activities.
Along with the University as a whole, our processes are designed to be efficient while creating social and environmental benefit.
From championing gender equality to promoting a healthy work-life balance, we aim to be progressive and fair in the way we do things.
Some areas of practice that we're particularly proud of as a Department are detailed below.
Athena SWAN
The Athena Swan Charter is an initiative which recognises a commitment to harness practices which promote the advancement of policies, practices and plans of gender equality, progression and representation.
The Charter was established in 2005 to encourage the advancement of the careers of women in STEMM employment. In May 2015, the Charter expanded to recognise the contributions undertaken in other areas of non-STEMM disciplines.
MACE was initially awarded a Bronze Award in 2014 and this was renewed in 2019.
Building a positive culture
We strive to make our Department a great place to work for everyone by promoting positive and inclusive behaviours. This includes:
- local policy guidance which outlines MACE’s expected behaviours and procedure for reporting any cases of bullying and harassment;
- training sessions at MACE away days;
- specialist training for line managers;
- scheduling meetings during core University working hours;
- the promotion of positive female role models at internal and external events to celebrate gender diversity within engineering;
- extensive support for staff returning from maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
Career development support
MACE encourages a team ethos towards supporting career development; this includes researchers, support staff and academics at all career stages. We provide:
- mentors for all new starters;
- school and team away days;
- a comprehensive induction programme.
We also run a promotions process that ensures staff across the Department are supported to advance their careers. This includes:
- a diverse Department Promotions Committee made up of staff of all levels;
- multiple meetings of the Committee to provide extensive feedback to candidates;
- opportunities for staff to identify any individual circumstances which may have affected their progress;
- 1-2-1 support for applicants throughout the process;
- information sessions for applicants and Committee members.
Promoting a healthy work-life balance
The Department encourages a positive approach to the wellbeing of all staff by providing a number of activities within the working day to promote a healthy work-life balance. This includes:
- pilates classes;
- badminton matches;
- samba drumming lessons;
- lunchtime walks;
- coffee mornings;
- lunch-and-learn seminars.