Staff networks

The Disability and Long-term Conditions Staff Network is a safe space for staff to connect, share experiences and information. It plays an important role in improving support for reasonable adjustments and helping staff stay well and thrive at work. 

The network raises awareness of disabilities in the workplace. It works to remove barriers and challenge the stigma that people with disabilities may face.

The Ethnic Minorities Staff Network is a safe and supportive space for staff from ethnic minority background or heritage. It offers a peer network to share experiences, give support and talk about challenges. 

The network helps shape race and ethnicity improvement work across the Trust. It promotes racial equality and diversity, tackles racism, addresses health inequalities and builds cultural awareness. 

The LGBTQI+ Staff Network is one of our longest running networks. It offers a welcoming and supportive space for LGBTQI+ colleagues to connect.

The network is led by a caring committee with a range of skills and interests. They help grow the network for LGBTQI+ colleagues and allies. 

As well as building connection, the network welcomes teams from within our Trust and actively works with them to tackle inequalities, raise awareness and promote inclusive practices.

The Menopause Matters Staff Network began 2018 and is our largest network. It offers a safe, peer-led space where staff at any stage of the menopause can find support.

Network members share experiences, tips and ideas to help manage symptoms. The network also welcomes guest speakers who share advice on key menopause related wellbeing.

The Mental Health Staff Network was created in 2022. It offers a peer-led space for staff with lived experience of mental health conditions, whether diagnosed or not.

Using Trust services as a staff member can feel daunting because of past stigma and bias surrounding mental health conditions. The network aims to share positive stories from people who have experienced mental health conditions.

Members can connect with peers, share experiences and support innovation to improve our workplace and Trust services.

The Neurodivergent Staff Network is open to all staff who see themselves as neurodivergent, whether diagnosed or not. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Tourette syndrome.

Members connect through shared experiences and offer peer support and understanding. The network's main focus is to build a sense of belonging and celebrate the unique strengths and successes neurodivergent staff bring to the workplace.

The Working Carers Staff Network is for colleagues who have caring responsibilities. This means that alongside their work they provide unpaid care and support to a family member, partner or friend who cannot manage without their help. This may be due to illness, frailty, disability, a mental health condition or addiction. 

The network offers a calm space for working carers to come together, away from the competing demands of everyday life. It is a space to listen, support and share ideas for self-care and wellbeing. It is also a chance to help shape improvements to policies, processes and the Trust Carers Strategy.