Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
About our staff networks
Each of our staff networks have set three core pillars of focus, we welcome discussions around other topics but due to capacity we are focusing on these three things so that we can make solid progress rather than scratching at the surface of lots of different ideas.
All our networks are focussing on growth and engagement, you can read more about the additional priorities and aims of each network below.
Women's Network
A network for anyone who identifies as a woman working at the RUH. We are a welcoming community aiming to promote equity for women in our working practices and policies, as well as building a strong network for personal and professional development.
We welcome allies interested in supporting our mission.
Alongside growth and engagement of the network, we are focused on connecting and celebrating women.
We plan to do this through regular meetings, in person meetups, network events that bring people together, and highlighting women's achievements at the RUH and beyond.
Men's Network
A place where those who identify as men working at the RUH can come to discuss men's physical, mental and social health.
We're working to foster greater integration between men and other networks to improve the well-being of all in our community.
Additionally, we aim to set up a men's walking group that takes lunchtime walks around the hospital site to give men a chance to connect with their colleagues. We welcome allies who are interested in supporting our work.
LGBTQ+ Network
The LGBTQ+ Network is for all staff who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
We are passionate about creating an all-inclusive Trust where you can be who you want to be in a safe, caring environment.
In addition to expanding our network, we will work to educate allies about the issues members of the LGBTQ+ community face inside and outside of the RUH such as discrimination and health inequalities.
REACH Network
The REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) Network is a safe space for colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds to share their experiences, raise concerns, access support, and work towards change.
We encourage all staff with an interest in anti-racism work to be part of the REACH Network as a member or as an ally.
Members voted to set up an internal mentoring programme at the start of 2024 as colleagues from the global majority often have fewer internal contacts.
Enable Network
The Enable Network is for disabled and neurodiverse colleagues to share their experiences and put forward suggestions to improve the Trust's policies.
We are working on a number of accessibility projects as well as celebrating awareness days throughout the Trust. We welcome allies interested in supporting us.
A key goal is to increase our Electronic Staff Record declaration rates for disability as if we can get an accurate idea of the numbers of staff who have a disability, we can tailor our work to support the community.
Armed Forces Network
The Armed Forces Network is for veterans, members of the armed forces, and their families.
We come together for support, community, and to raise awareness of the unique issues the armed forces community can face.
We aim to drive improvement by being part of the Armed Forces Covenant programme, which is designed to ensure those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
Support Groups
We also have two support groups for staff – the Menopause Support Group and the Period Dramas Support Group.
The Menopause Support Group supports staff before, during and after the Menopause as well as staff who know someone who is going through the Menopause. The group share useful information and have occasional guest and the Period Dramas Support group (for support around Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and other menstrual health issues).
If you would like to find out more and see what the support groups are up to you can find them on Workplace using the links below.
Your questions answered
Who are the networks for?
Staff Networks are open to all staff, permanent, temporary, bank, students and volunteers. We welcome allies as well as core members.
The monthly meetings are informal and friendly and a great opportunity to meet with members of the wider RUH team. We also have an active social group for members and allies to meet up outside of work for events, films, book clubs etc.
If you have an interest in promoting inclusion for all then please do come along to one of our network meetings. The networks meet monthly and you can contact the network Chairs for the next meeting or join the groups via Workplace, the Trust's internal communication tool.
Who can join a network as a member?
Anyone who identifies as part of a community is welcome to join that Network as a member.
Who can join a network as an ally?
An ally is anyone who does not identify as part of a community but wishes to listen, learn, and actively support a network.
Find out more
If you have any questions, please contact the Equality Diversity and Inclusion team:
ruh-tr.EqualityandDiversity@nhs.net