About out colleague networks
Our colleague networks have a link to a protected characteristic defined by the Equality Act (2010) or where the Council has formally recognised a group as such. Protected characteristics include
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
- care-experienced (which is recognised by the Council as a protected characteristic to be considered in all integrated impact assessments carried out during the decision-making and policy making process).
The role of a colleague network
Provide a safe space for discussion of issues
Networks can provide a safe space for colleagues to discuss issues they face at work, including the discussion of potentially sensitive or challenging topics such as discrimination or barriers within employment as well as positive examples of sharing good practice.
Help to raise awareness of issues within the wider organisation
Networks will raise awareness to help managers and colleagues appreciate the experiences and challenges faced by colleagues in their working life - through running events, writing articles and recognising important days in the annual calendar.
Provide support for individual colleagues who may be facing challenges at work
Networks can signpost where to go for help and provide practical advice.
Provide a collective voice for change
Our networks provide a collective voice, sharing the lived-experience insight from their network members to influence decisions within the Council and effect meaningful change.
Through collaborative working with the Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team and structured access to senior management, the networks provide feedback on policy and decision-making including our EDI strategy.
Our colleague networks
- Black and Minority Ethnic Equality Workers Forum: The forum meet to discuss common issues that affect all minority ethnic employees and their communities.
- Care experienced network: A group to create a safe, empowering, and inclusive space for care experienced colleagues, contributing to a culture where lived experience is recognised and valued.
- DRIVE Network: DRIVE promotes race equality and anti-racism across the鈥疌ouncil.
- SHINE network: SHINE stands for Spiritual, Holistic, Interfaith, Network 黑料正能量. It is an interfaith network fostering acceptance and understanding amongst different religions and beliefs within the network and across the council.
- SPARC network: SPARC stands for Supporting People’s Abilities Regardless of Circumstance. Their aim is to give colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions a stronger voice and a more inclusive and supportive environment.
- STRIDE network: STRIDE is committed to celebrating the diversity of LGBT+ identities and raising awareness of the issues that LGBT+ people face in the workplace and wider society.
- Women’s network: A community to inspire, empower and support women in the council to get the most out of work and their careers.
Further information
- Current employees with access to the Orb: You can find more information about our colleague networks on the Orb. Go to the Orb homepage and click on the Menu bar in the top right, then Colleague networks.
- Current employees with no Orb access: Read the guidance on how to get access to HR systems.