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Our staff networks
Our staff networks have been developed to provide a safe space for colleagues sharing particular circumstances or characteristics to connect with others, share experiences and challenge organisational practices to create a more inclusive working environment.
All of our staff network chairs meet on a bi-monthly basis. The meetings are run by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and provide opportunities for all network chairs to collaborate and be involved in Inclusion events.
On a quarterly basis the network chairs and nominated members of staff from different departments meet quarterly as the Voice of Inclusion Committee. The agenda of the committee is to share and be involved in wider trust activities including policy consultation and diversity education.
Our ENRICH Network
The ENRICH (Equality Network for Race Inclusion and Cultural Heritage) Staff Network consists of multi-disciplinary professionals whose primary aim is to work with the Trust at all levels, to provide an effective and autonomous voice for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff and communities, through inclusion, diversity and equality.
The core objectives of the ENRICH Staff Network are:
- To provide a safe, supportive and open environment to discuss issues related to inequality and discrimination, in areas such as staff experiences, recruitment, retention and development
- “With our lived experience we endeavor to use evidence (such WRES - Workforce Race Equality Standards Report) as well as analysis to provide important advice and influence on existing systemic challenges affecting BAME staff in the organisation.” ENRICH Staff Network.
Our Staff Disability Network
Our Staff DisAbility Network aims to achieve change throughout the organisation. Working alongside the Trust’s Board, the Network believe they can be the driving force to bring about change. They are open to all members of staff who have a disability or long-term condition (either declared or undeclared). The Disability Staff Network believe that everyone should have the right to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
Their aim is to provide a friendly, comfortable and fully inclusive environment without fear of discrimination, to share experiences and provide mutual support, discuss issues and adopt a problem-solving approach.
The Armed Forces Network
The Armed Forces Network was created in recognition of the challenges faced by people who serve or have served in the armed forces, and are now working in an alternative, civilian workplace and the struggles for those who are family members of those who are or have served. The Trust will work collaboratively with the network on any matters relating to the Armed Forces Covenant and anything armed forces related.
The Carers Staff Network
The Carers Staff network has been set up to provide a forum for staff who are carers or staff who want to understand and support their carer colleagues.
The aim of the network is to ensure advice and support to staff who have caring responsibilities is provided by the organisation and is available to managers to support staff in the workplace with the challenges of balancing the demands of work with caring.
The network work closely with carer organisations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to ensure we have the most up to date information to share with staff.
Any member of staff is welcome to join the network, whether a carer or someone who wants to understand and support their carer colleagues.
The Chaplaincy Team
While not a staff network, trust staff and patients are also supported by our Chaplaincy Team; consisting of ordained, licensed and authorised lay ministers, an ordained interfaith minister and a non-religious provider, providing religious, spiritual and pastoral support. Available throughout all of our community hospitals and mental health inpatient units. All are volunteers, led by the Trust Chaplain.
The team is available to offer help and support in many different ways. It does not have to involve religious issues and it does not have to involve work issues. Support is offered wherever or whenever you need it regardless of faith or no faith.