The IOP is awarded Juno Practitioner status for commitment to gender equality
20 August 2021
The IOP has officially received Juno Practitioner status, in recognition of its commitment to gender equality in the organisation.
Project Juno is an award scheme that recognises and rewards university physics departments, schools of physics and other related organisations that can demonstrate they have taken action to address gender equality at all levels and to foster a more inclusive working environment.
Juno is the first award of its kind specifically dedicated to physics, and was set up and is funded by the IOP. Applications to Juno are assessed in a peer-review process by an independent Juno panel, made up of physicists working in Practitioner or Champion university physics departments or schools.
The IOP’s application was reviewed under additional scrutiny and the guidance of independent assessors. The scheme is based on six principles, and applicants to the scheme provide evidence to show they have met the standard for each principle.
IOP has successfully achieved Practitioner status, which demonstrates senior leadership commitment, provides an evidence base and outlines the organisational framework in which the organisation’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work is able to thrive.
Rachel Youngman, Deputy Chief Executive of the IOP, commented: “For any organisation there are times when it is important to step back and reflect on progress, remaining open to change where necessary; critical when looking to achieve real and sustainable progress with EDI.
“Our first Juno Practitioner submission was not successful, so we paused to reflect, then worked more closely as a team and in partnership with our members. Our Juno Practitioner Award reflects the IOP’s continuing work and commitment to EDI, of which we should all be very proud.
“I was particularly pleased that last year’s Giving Voice to Inclusion Programme was cited by the Juno panel as being such a positive initiative. It’s when our talented team and the knowledge and experiences of our members join forces that we can find the best impact. Nowhere is this more important than with EDI.”
As an organisation, the IOP is dedicated to gender equality and inclusion more broadly, and the organisation made the decision to apply for the award and hold itself to the same high standards expected of others.
The IOP hopes this sets a precedent and standard for other organisations, and it demonstrates our commitment to championing women in physics.
The IOP has achieved this recognition following sustained effort, activity and monitoring and follows on from our initial unsuccessful application back in 2019. The IOP has set out a three-year commitment in alignment with our current strategy, to help us achieve the next stage.
Participation in Project Juno enables organisations to work towards developing an equitable working culture in which staff and students can achieve their full potential.
The IOP is delighted to be recognised by the Juno panel, who commended the organisation for the sustained commitment and resources we have put into developing our EDI agenda.
Find out more about Juno including how your organisation can take part.