Abstract
This developmental paper examines whether an equity framework can support the effective embedding of the Athena Swan Silver award charter and action plan within Salford Business School (SBS). Following SBS’s attainment of Advanced HE Silver Athena Swan Accreditation in December 2025, the study explores colleagues’ perceptions of the extent to which such a framework can contribute to sustained improvements in gender equity. Drawing on gender in management theory and existing conceptual frameworks, the research builds on Ovseiko et al. (2017) and evaluates the appropriateness of Rao and Kelleher’s (2015) model in shaping culture development. The study adopts a multi‑method design involving triangulation of historical and current employee engagement data, school diversity data, creative workshop outputs, and in‑depth qualitative interviews with academic and professional services colleagues. By analysing these multiple data sources in parallel, the research aims to reveal both the opportunities and complexities associated with embedding equity‑focused practice. This is intended to be achieved through an intersectional lens, assessing diverse job families within the school. The findings are expected to provide nuanced insights that support culture change, enhance colleague buy‑in, and inform both current action plan delivery and future opportunities for gender equity research in higher education.