Posted on: 14 May 2025
This National Staff Networks Day we say 'thank you' to our fabulous staff-led groups who help drive positive change.
These vibrant networks provide a platform for our staff to unite, offering invaluable peer support, fostering safe spaces, and amplifying their collective voices.
Together, they drive positive change within our organisations, ensuring that our Trusts are not only supportive of their diverse workforce but also reflective of the communities they serve. Through these networks, we continue to champion inclusivity, empowerment, and progress across the region.
Here are just some of the key highlights of the fantastic work that our staff networks have been involved in;
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
The change society at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust has brought together a monthly group forum providing a safe space to talk and peer support for all things relating to menopause and has given hints and tips to other members as well as dispelling myths and rumours with symptoms..
Sharing of symptoms lists has enabled women to provide evidence to their GPS to enableefficient discussion around HRT and direct questioning and being empowered to ask for HRT instead of being dismissed..
Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Across the Race Equality Network Leeds have introduced the following initiatives:
- 4 cohorts of allyship programme
- 1 cohort of Institute of Leadership and Management Level 5 coaching and mentoring and 2nd cohort currently studying
- iThrive, WeThrive leadership programme
- Safe Spaces for staff – led by our network, Chief Executive and Directors of People
- Co-working with wider Trust on comms plans and security
- BME Equity Monitor for Recruitment Panels
The LGBTQIA+ Staff Network have introduced the following:
- Shared Working Spaces “co-working days”
- Training for senior management
- Policy and Process Reviews
The Disability, Neurodiversity and Long-Term Conditions Network have been working to introduce the following:
- Disability Equity in recruitment practices
- 1:1 support to staff
- Supporting review of Reasonable Adjustments, and Wellbeing at Work Policy
- Buddy Scheme
Leeds Community Healthcare have been involved in the following initatives:
- EDI Forums where we share stories and case studies from the three networks, lead by our Chair of Board
- New Starter Forums where the network chairs say hello to new starters
- Welcome day market place – networks rotate in
- People Consultant aligned to each network
Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust - LGBTQ+ Network
One of the key aims of the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust LGBTQ+ Staff Network is to act as an important resource to the Trust and to represent the LGBTQ+ staff community. Recently, the Network's members with lived experience and knowledge consulted with colleagues to develop the new Transgender Patients Medical Records Policy, ensuring its legal compliance and that the processes treat patients sensitively. In 2023, the Trust received a Bronze Rainbow Badge Award and the Network is now actively making improvements and gathering evidence of the impact of these initiatives with the aim of achieving a Silver Award.
West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board - Race Equality Network
In 2024–2025, the WYICB Race Equality Network has made impactful progress in advancing race equality and fostering inclusive, supportive workplaces. They have expanded their presence by working with Communications, and will soon be launching a dedicated intranet page, offering key resources and information about upcoming events. The network team have also created a Microsoft Teams channel to promote open, supportive communication among members and facilitate the sharing of relevant resources.
As part of their commitment to workplaces free from discrimination, they collaborated closely with HR and EDI colleagues to review and shape organisational policies. This included analysing NHS Staff Survey data and recommending actions to support an anti-racist culture. In driving the diversification of senior leadership, they've contributed to improvements in recruitment processes, actively participating in interview panels and supporting recruitment managers to adopt fair, inclusive practices.
Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust - Aspiring Cultures
An Iftar event led by the Aspiring Cultures network took place last month, where the Network organised an open event for Trust staff to join the opening of a fast, host an open dialogue about Ramadan and the act of fasting and enjoy a meal together.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust - LGBT+ Staff Network
The Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (Wakefield 0-19 NHS nursing Services) LGBT+ Staff Network are celebrating the following developments;
- Achieving NHS Rainbow Accreditation - Bronze
- Great external speakers in staff workshops including Dr. Micheal Brady NHS England adviser on LGBT+ Health, Paul Carruthers Mr Gay World and Cynthia A. Fortlage CEO of CAF Services and LGBT+ advisor to the United Nations.
- Improved more inclusive services for transgender parents in Wakefield.
Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - Race Equality Staff Inclusion Network (RESIN)
The RESIN network has grown significantly, expanding its membership from 173 in 2023 to over 500 members to date. Key achievements include winning Best Employer for Diversity and Inclusion, refreshing and relaunching the Staff Equality Network, and hosting listening events for internationally educated staff. RESIN has actively supported staff engagement initiatives like EDS2022 alongside Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU), and played a pivotal role in co-producing and influencing the Trust’s Race Equality Agenda. Notably, the first Filipino midwife from the Trust represented the region in celebrating the contributions of internationally educated nurses and midwives. The network has received strong backing from the Executive Team and its Executive Sponsor, fostering a safe and empowering environment supported by the SPARC Team, FTSU, and Charity Team. RESIN members are represented at key decision-making forums, helping to drive real change. Additional celebrations include a 20 Years Long Service Awards and an Appreciation Day for internationally recruited staff, highlighting their contributions to staff development and wellbeing.