University of Worcester Among Top for Gender Pay

New analysis of gender pay at UK universities has re-confirmed the University of Worcester as one of the best performing in the Country.

Figures released by AdvanceHE show Worcester was among five universities with no median pay gap.

Women make up over 60% of Worcester's overall staff and are represented at this level throughout the University, from the top pay quartile to the bottom, contrasting strongly with the vast majority of universities where women are significantly under-represented amongst higher paid staff and over-represented amongst the lower-paid.

The latest figures, which were published in the sector magazine, Times Higher Education, relate to data from 2020-2021. They show that the University of Worcester had a median hourly pay rate difference of zero, much better than the University gender pay gap of 8.5% and the National pay gap of 11.3%.

The University’s Director of Human Resources, Adele Cope, said: “At the University of Worcester we are passionately committed to inclusion and the promotion of gender equality. Our gender pay data confirms we have good foundations in place and that women are well represented at all levels within our organisation.

“We continue to keep our HR policies and processes under regular review to ensure that there is a balanced representation of different genders within the workforce and across all roles.”

The University has been ranked in the top 5 in the UK for Gender Equality in all years of the Times Higher Education’s University Impact Rankings, which assess how universities globally are meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking about the latest figures, Professor Sally Moyle, who joined the University last month as Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science, said: “One of the reasons I was attracted to the University of Worcester was because of its inclusive approach and focus on gender equality. From the moment I arrived I was struck by the friendly and supportive atmosphere, just walking around the campus you get a real sense of inclusivity and collegiality. Everyone you meet is keen to offer help and support. Our processes are designed to support all aspects of inclusivity, and the value placed on gender equality is clearly visible, from recruitment through to induction and beyond, gender equality has been a key feature. I certainly feel valued as a new member of the UW team.”

Also joining the University last month was Professor Lisa Stansbie, who has taken up the new position of Pro Vice Chancellor Education, Society and Culture.

“One of the many reasons I was drawn to this role at the University of Worcester was the University’s inclusive approach to students and staff and in particular its promotion and commitment to gender equality,” she said. “As a new staff member, it is very noticeable that there is significant representation of woman at all levels of the institution and from my experiences in my first few weeks, it feels that the university has a welcoming and supportive atmosphere and I have been impressed with the range of staff development focussed on creating a positive environment for women and advancing their careers.”

Professor David Green CBE DL, the University’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “The University is deeply committed to an inclusive, fair approach at work and in all our work. We are delighted to have established such a notably strong culture of gender equality and work every day to maintain and deepen it.”