Our Trust has a very diverse nationality of staff and this employee network group is vital in helping employers act on equality issues in the workplace – especially those around recruitment and progression.
In this podcast, Danny, our Equality and Diversity Lead, talks us through our multicultural network for staff.
The multicultural group recognises the multiple backgrounds, diverse cultures and the wide range of views within the Trust. We represent all employees regardless of their multicultural background.
And so we work to support, resource, and advocate for the diverse communities here in our hospitals.
Networks are all about people; they are about progressive change; they are all about supporting the employee journey and inspiring a feeling of belonging. There is a feeling of inclusion with a network, and making employees feel included at work can directly enhance performance and happiness in the workplace.
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Podcast – multicultural network
Today I’m talking to Danny, our Equality and Diversity Lead about our multicultural network for staff.
it’s a network set up for our black, Asian, minority, and ethnic colleagues.
Can you tell us more about the multicultural network?
Our Trust has a very diverse nationality of staff and this employee network group is vital in helping employers act on equality issues in the workplace – especially those around recruitment and progression.
The network welcomes colleagues from a wider diverse background.
What does the network do?
The multicultural group recognises the multiple backgrounds, diverse cultures and the wide range of views within the Trust. We represent all employees regardless of their multicultural background.
And so we work to support, resource, and advocate for the diverse communities here in our hospitals.
What events do you hold?
· Meetings
· Celebrating cultures
We welcome the many advantages of a multicultural employee base and celebrate distinct cultural differences stemming from personal traits such as race, ethnic origin and religion.
The network aims to create an environment where everyone feels valued and where their talents are fully utilised
Aside from the events - are the plans for the future in terms of the multicultural network?
The Trust now has a number of networks, can you tell me about them?
Networks are all about people; they are about progressive change; they are all about supporting the employee journey and inspiring a feeling of belonging. There is a feeling of inclusion with a network, and making employees feel included at work can directly enhance performance and happiness in the workplace.
LGBT+ Network
We are very proud that we have successfully signed up to the Rainbow badges scheme. We also participate in the Pride parade, alongside other Trusts, such as West London and Chelwest. The network is open to anyone, no matter of their sexuality.
Disability And Wellbeing Network (DAWN)
This network provides a safe environment for colleagues to identify challenges and offer suggestions. We look into different elements of the organisation to ensure our hospital is accessible not only for service users and visitors but also for our workforce.
Nepalese Network
Let’s not forget our Nepalese network, which was formed last year
International Nurses Network (INN)
This network provides a safe space for reflection and discussion for newly recruited overseas nurses, who will be able to find support and guidance from senior nurses, working in the Trust.
Women’s Empowerment Network
We are now setting up a new Women’s Empowerment Network as part of the commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. The Network is being set up as a reminder that whilst substantial progress has been made to reduce the divide between genders, progress must still be made to ensure wider inclusion and equality between all types of people and gender, across the workplace.
How can staff become involved in a staff network?
If you’d like to get involved, please email me for an informal chat and I can direct you to the chair of the network you'd like to join. Being a member of a network has a great impact not only on our wellbeing and motivation but also on the organisation’s culture.
Our networks provide support to our colleagues who share similar backgrounds, goals and challenges but also to act as advisory groups for any future plans/projects. Networks have a very powerful meaning for any organisation which is focused on Equality Diversity and Inclusion and culture change.
So thank you Danny…