Equality, diversity and social inclusion issues lie at the heart of the Education, Health and Science (EHS) faculty's identity and central to research and academic missions. The faculty are fully committed to establishing and maintaining an ethos of dignity and respect for all within a day-to-day culture of promoting these principles across all activities. Central to our efforts to promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the 6 Departments and Schools in the Faculty is working with the Athena Swan Charter. This is a national initiative supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the Athena SWAN (AS) Charter launched in Ireland in early 2015. Athena SWAN recognises and celebrates good practice in recruiting, retaining and promoting women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education.
UL takes great pride in being one of the first institutions in Ireland (in July 2015) to achieve an Athena SWAN Bronze Institution Award. Since then, UL has worked hard to embed AS principles and practices across all faculties and departments. In April 2023, UL received the prestigious Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Award.
Athena Swan Bronze Award
In 2021 the Department of Nursing and Midwifery achieved accreditation through the awarding of the prestigious international Advance HE Charter Athena Swan Bronze Award in recognition of its work towards promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and gender balance across the department and its programmes. The departmental Athena SWAN Action Plan 2021-2025 guides the work of the department’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and staff. We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
The Department of Nursing & Midwifery is committed to:
Proactively plan, inform and develop practices, events and initiatives which promote inclusion, a sense of belonging and equality of opportunity for all, whilst celebrating the richness of diversity guided by the pillars of:
1. Gender representation and promoting EDI
2. Research capacity building (staff & students)
3. Flexible Working (all UL flexible working schemes)
4. Career Progression and Advancement
Our Committee
The Department of Nursing and Midwifery EDI committee comprises of academic, research, PMSS and student representatives. Diversity across all levels of staff is reflected in the wide range of knowledge, experience, expertise and career stage among SAT members. Members’ varying work-life responsibilities, personal and family commitments and uptake of UL’s flexible working policies designed to support work life balance add a range of perspective.
EDI News and Events 24/25
- Celebration of International Men's Day, November 18th 2024.
- On Tuesday 19th November, in celebration of of International Men's Day, University of Limerick hosted an event centred around the theme 'Positive Male Role Models'. The event featured keynote speaker, Dr David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist and support speaker, Maurice Lynch, Staff Nurse in UHL and Department of Nursing and Midwifery alumni. See our news story about the event.
- Promoting Breastfeeding for Future Generations: The Role of Practitioners and Students On Campus and The Wider Community, took place on Wednesday, 2 October 2024.
- The launch of 'UL Age-Friendly University' will take place on Friday 6th December from 12pm - 2pm, in School of Medicine Lecture Theatre GEMS0-016. The official launch will be hosted by Professor Shane Kilcommins, and feature event speakers. Light refreshments will be served from 12pm in the foyer in School of Medicine. Event open to UL Staff only.
- The Official Launch of the UL Race Equality Action Plan 2024–2027, took place Wednesday, 23rd October. This event was hosted by University of Limerick Human Rights, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Division.
Contact Nursing and Midwifery
Health Sciences Building, North Bank Campus, University of Limerick
Email: nm@ul.ie