Welcome to the staff networks area of our website. Here you will find information to help you if you want to:
- Start a network;
- Find advice on sustaining existing networks;
- Find resources and contact details for those who can support you with developing networks.
Why have a staff network?
- To share knowledge and experience
- To improve working lives of staff
- To provide a forum to highlight common workplace issues for the organisation to address
- To assist with identifying development needs
- Provide a forum for linking into other staff network groups
- To influence and support organisations’ policy and practice
- To celebrate achievements.
What makes a successful staff network?
Here is a checklist to consider for NHS organisations wanting to create a staff network. The list is not exhaustive, but to develop a successful staff network you are likely to need:
- A robust business and action plan
- Senior management support – a ‘champion’
- Clear reporting lines for the group – who will take forward items raised by the network for action?
- Effective leadership of the network – clear, identified, sustained
- Dedicated resources – both financial and human
- Terms of reference (TOR)
- Core skills training available to key members – chair, treasurer, minute taker
- The network to have a mission statement
- To develop a communication and marketing plan
- To share good practice and celebrate success
- To ensure the network is inclusive
- To have clarity on how success of the network will be measured
- To ensure the development of networks is reflected in Equality & Diversity and HR strategies
- To establish inter-organisational network links
Resources and contacts
NHS England » Developing your NHS staff network
Staff Networks Board Development Offer – Leadership Academy
NHS East of England equality, diversity and inclusion
East of England Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team [email protected]