National Day for Staff Networks launched in 2017 and is a day where staff networks across the UK are recognised for their valuable contribution within organisations. It provides an opportunity for networks to “celebrate their contribution, inspire with their stories and offer insight into the lived experiences of underrepresented colleagues and transform the organisation.”
At Sussex we are proud to have the following staff networks who are supported in their activities by the EDI Unit:
- Ethnic Minority Staff Network
- LGBTQ+ Staff Network
- Neurodiversity Staff Network
- Parent and Carer Staff Network
- Staff Disability Network
- Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network
- Long Covid Staff Support Network (part of the Staff Disability Network)
Our staff networks play an important role in helping to achieve our goals outlined in our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, Inclusive Sussex. The networks provide staff with the opportunity to meet with colleagues from across the University and get involved with network activities. They provide a crucial contribution in sharing the staff voice of their membership to help shape policy and procedures which support all of our staff and ensure we meet our goals on equality, diversity and inclusion. To support this contribution, the University Commitment to Staff Networks encourages managers to support members to attend network meetings and events during their working hours where business needs allow.
Learn more about the activities of some of the networks over the past year:
Neurodiversity Staff Network
The Neurodiversity staff network formerly sat under the umbrella of the Staff Disability Network but due to its ever increasing membership and range of activities has recently been recognised as a network in its own right.
“The Neurodiversity Staff Network started in 2020 with the amazing support of its members and the inherent values the network embodies such as kindness, respect and consequently openness. In the last year the network has developed a programme towards supporting staff experience and neurodiversity as a culture. Activities have included monthly online themed meetings, in-person catch-ups with the In-Sync Café, and events such as a self-advocacy workshop delivered by Diversity and Ability, a neurodivergent comedy night and a neurodiversity, ethnicity and race online workshop.” Co-Chairs of the Neurodiversity Staff Network.
For further information about the network and becoming a member please visit Neurodiversity Staff Network
Parent and Carer Staff Network
“The Parent and Carer Network was founded in Summer 2020 as a response to Covid-19 and the difficulties in balancing caring and our professional roles. Our aim is to create an environment where carers can thrive, not just survive. Since our beginnings we have:
- carried out 2 staff surveys and produced a report shared across the University.
- pushed for changes to policy including maternity leave entitlement, promotion criteria and engaged with the Athena SWAN award development.
- had regular meetings with HR and EDI to ensure that carers’ needs are considered in policy changes.
- established a steering group which meets termly to consider the direction of the network.
As we continue to grow we are looking to recruit new members and we look forward to celebrating with a series of events in Carers Week!” Hannah Mason-Bish, Chair of the Parent and Carer Network.
For further information about the network and becoming a member please e-mail: h.mason-bish@sussex.ac.uk
LGBTQ+ Staff Network
“As of March 2023, a new LGBTQ+ Staff Network committee was established, with the aim of continuing the significant work of previous Network Chairs. We believe that everyone should feel safe, supported, and comfortable at work, and can be themselves without experiencing discrimination or harassment. The work we do reflects these values, including in-person and online workshops, celebration, and awareness-raising events for significant LGBTQ+ occasions throughout the year, and social activities for LGBTQIA+ staff members to come together as a community. This is highlighted through us proudly taking part in the Brighton Pride parade 2023, alongside other Sussex staff and students.
When workload allows, we create and send out a monthly newsletter to our network members, to update them on internal and external LGBTQ+ news and events. We also attend New Starter sessions to meet all new members of staff and provide information to colleagues who would like to be involved. Since starting the committee we have seen the numbers of our members grow, and have had positive engagement from staff at all of our events.
We work in close collaboration with the Trans & Non-Binary Staff Network to deliver events such as Celebrating Trans Pride at Sussex 2023. We are also beginning to collaborate with other Staff Networks, so that we can all support the intersectionality of staff within Sussex. We have been building relationships with the Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Queer Student Society, to share best practice and support both staff and students, and are also building relationships with other individuals and teams at Sussex who support the work we do, as well as external LGBTQ+ businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and charities.
Each of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network have a valuable role within the committee. We are very proud to have two Bisexual Reps who support us with Bi-specific work at Sussex, amongst supporting other LGBTQ+ projects. We really appreciate members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as our allies, who have supported our journey so far, and who will continue to support us in our future ventures - to make a positive impact in the lives of LGBTQIA+ staff at Sussex. ” Co-Chairs of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network.
For further information about the network and becoming a member please visit: LGBTQ+ Staff Network
For further information about all of our staff networks and how to join please visit: Staff Networks