Staff Networks Peer Support for colleagues
Our staff networks support us to have diverse, equitable and inclusive work places where all colleagues can be themselves and bring their best self to work each and every day.
They will:
- Seek to improve the staff experience on specific issues relating to each network through the development of Action Plans.
- Tackle issues for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.
- Offer safe places to come together, share experiences and facilitate learning and development.
- Help shape and deliver our People strategies and policies.
Our staff network
Ethnic Minority Network
Supporting all colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds to ensure equity of opportunity and to tackle discrimination and bullying at work. The network seeks membership from any colleagues who identify with an ethnicity other than White British and also welcomes those with a White British background as network ally’s
LGBTQ+ Network
To support colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning). The + (plus) indicates inclusion for anyone whose sexual orientation and/or gender identity differs from the main 5 initials. The network seeks membership from anyone who self-identifies as LGBTQ+ and also welcomes those identifying as heterosexual/cis-gender to join as ally’s to support the network’s efforts in reducing violence, bullying and harassment and supporting individuals to be their true self in inclusive work environments.
Carers Network
Our carers network provides support to those who have unpaid carers responsibility outside of work to ensure a good work life balance and equity for those who may be disadvantaged as a result of their out of work responsibilities supporting the Trust in maintaining it’s Carer Friendly Employer accreditation. The network welcomes all colleagues who are not unpaid carers to join as ally’s.
Women in Sherwood
This network is dedicated to supporting matters affecting women at work, ensuring equity of opportunity for all women, advancement of career and personal development opportunities and tackling issues such as sexism in the workplace. The network encourages membership from men to provide much needed allyship.
WAND ‘We’re Able aNd Disabled’ network
The ‘We’re Able aNd Disabled’ network supports colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions who share their experiences to improve the working experience for all colleagues in this community. Colleagues are encouraged to join who have visible and non-visible disabilities, long term health conditions, those with learning disabilities and those who identify as Neurodivergent. The network also encourages those who are non-disabled to join as ally’s.
Search the Intranet for Staff Networks to learn more.
What are Ally's
Someone who doesn’t self-identify with a particular group but stands next to or with that community, as a friend, as an advocate, as a supporter, as a champion or as a sponsor.
We may not identify as coming from a community that has historically and currently experience marginalisation (discrimination, bullying, hate crime for example), but we stand next to the people, our colleagues, from those communities and provide our support and our friendship to improve equity and inclusion for all in our workplaces.
To learn more about Allyship, please contact Ali Pearson for available dates for the Allyship training session by emailing sfh-tr.edisupport@nhs.net.
