Today is National Day for Staff Networks! This annual event started in 2017 and is currently the only campaign in the world designed specifically to celebrate staff networks and recognise the incredible value they add to the workplace. The theme for 2022 is #ViableVisibleVoices.
Networks are all about people, progressive change, supporting the employee journey and inspiring a feeling of belonging.
NHS Lothian currently has five staff networks which cover BME (black and minority ethnic), carers, disability, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning plus) and youth.
The networks have been established with the aim of providing peer support, companionship, social events, networking and a point of contact on equality and diversity issues. NHS Lothian is committed to eliminating discrimination and improving equity of opportunity.
Commenting on National Staff Networks Day, Rachel Hallows, Workforce Equality Project Support Manager, said: “NHS Lothian is planning an in-person event for National Staff Networks Day, which will take place in August or September and which we’re really excited for.
“We are also pulling together a programme of events for the remainder of the year, including LGBTQ+ Pride in June, Disability Pride in July and a ‘Let’s talk about race’ series in August.
“For Learn at Work Week, which takes place next week, we have the Disabled Employee Network doing a session on neurodivergence, the Youth Network doing a Q&A drop in and the LGBTQ+ Staff and Allies Network giving a brief history of significant LGBTQ+ dates and why we still recognise dates such as Trans Day of Visibility today.
“I’m really passionate about my role and going forward I would like to see more NHS Lothian staff getting involved, alongside strategising how we raise awareness of our networks and progressing the Advancing Equalities Action Plan.
“We want to show everyone that Lothian is an inclusive employer and organisation, and we want to ensure that staff with protected characteristics have their specific needs being met, alongside providing encouragement for staff to be more themselves.”
If you wish to get involved or know more about the work of the networks, then please get in touch with Rachel on rachel.hallows@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk.
