The Department of History is delighted to announce that it has achieved an Athena SWAN Bronze award by the Equality Challenge Unit – making it one of a handful of history departments in the country to attain such recognition. This quality assurance mark has been given in acknowledgment of the department’s demonstrated desire to continue to work towards the advancement of women’s careers and an overall commitment to gender equality.The idea of making an Athena SWAN application was conceived during our first women’s lunch two years ago and therefore the process has been, from the outset, a grassroots departmental initiative reinforced by institutional support. It is important here, though, to acknowledge the dedication of the 15-member self-assessment team, co-chaired initially by Abigail Woods and Rob Templing and subsequently by Alana Harris, and all committee members’ diligent and innovative work in preparing our application over the course of twelve months.In the process of compiling our submission, we have already begun to interrogate and amend many of our policies, practices and administrative systems as we seek to mainstream and promote equality and diversity agenda within our curriculum, our teaching practices and our research and departmental culture. We look forward to continuing to consolidate on these advances and achievements as we aim – within the next four years – for the attainment of a Silver award.