Equality, Diversity & Human Rights
Staff Networks
Staff Networks
Networks are an important part of the RUH and a key way the organisation gets to hear about the lived experiences of its staff and celebrate the diversity and difference they bring. The networks are supported by our executive team and members meet monthly. Staff are given time to attend meetings in work time. We understand that by having good networks it will encourage conversations that can influence change for the benefit of all staff.
Currently, we have 4 staff networks:
- Equal Abilities (network for staff with disabilities or long-term health conditions)
- Fusion (celebrating staff from all cultures, promoting diversity)
- LGBT+ and Allies
- Women's Network
Staff Networks are open to all staff, permanent or temporary, (including bank), regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, sex or disability, we welcome allies as well as core members. We encourage you to join any of the networks so all your voices can be heard as networks allows us to connect between people you may not ordinarily know and it links people in a way that they would never had imagined.
Our meetings are informal and friendly and a great opportunity to meet with members of the wider RUH team. You never can tell how much you know without listening to other people's views. Networks have been created for this purpose.
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.
Some Biogs of the Chairs are shown at the bottom of this page.
Staff Networks are:
Forums for staff to:
- Support each other
- Share experiences
- Develop new skills
- Make friends
- Improve staff experience
- Seek advice
They contribute and shape:
- The Trust's diversity agenda
- Equality of access
- Trust Policy & procedure
- Celebratory events such as Pride, Black history month and our annual inclusion event
- Make changes for the better for all staff well-being
Find out more
The networks meet quarterly. For dates of the next meetings click here for the Equality and Diversity Calendar of Events or request to join the networks via Workplace. If you are interested in setting up a staff network please contact the Equality and Diversity Officer:
ruh-tr.EqualityandDiversity@nhs.net
ext 4136
Who chairs our staff networks?
Women's Network
Name: Libby Walters, Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive
Can you tell us a bit about the staff network that you chair?
I chair the Women's Network which we only set up 2 months ago. The Women's Network is a space to provide a positive contribution to gender equality and a platform for women to share experiences and have their voices heard. We want to drive forward changes to improve gender inequality at the RUH. Our network is open to all regardless of the gender you identify with.
What's your vision for the future of the staff network?
A safe space for women to discuss experiences. Enable the delivery of education and support on gender related issues.
What's the best thing about working at the RUH?
The people who work at the RUH. The RUH is full of amazing and inspirational people.
If you could spend a day in another role at the RUH, what would you choose?
A porter as they get to see so many different things and meet lots of different people
If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change at the RUH?
Have more facilities for staff to take breaks - ie. changing facilities and rest areas
Which person, from past or present, would you invite for dinner, and why?
Barrack Obama ... such an amazing leader
What makes you laugh?
Gogglebox ... Never fails to make me cry with laughter!
Fusion Network
Name: Parmi Perera - I Like to be known as Para
Job title: Biomedical Scientist
Can you tell us a bit about the staff network that you chair?
Fusion - A safe space for staff who are non British to share their experiences, both good and bad, raise concerns, find out what support is available and ask for change. We encourage ALL staff to be part of Fusion as a member or as an ally. We discuss suggestions, issues, data and current events and how we can learn to be more respectful and aware of issues that affect our non-British staff.
What's your vision for the future of the staff network?
More members and allies, more celebrations of other cultures and backgrounds, to make the RUH a respectful and enjoyable workplace for all staff, no matter the background, to be more accepting and put our human values first.
What's the best thing about working at the RUH?
For me personally, the support system I have in Pathology. Also the pear and chocolate crumble and sticky toffee pudding at the Lansdown.
If you could spend a day in another role at the RUH, what would you choose?
ED (any staff)
If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change at the RUH?
Discrimination, especially racial discrimination and bias to disappear.
Which person, from past or present, would you invite for dinner, and why?
Bob Marley to jam out with.
What's your favourite book/film/both?
Book: 'The God of Small Things' by Arundati Roy
Film: hard to pick but any Quentin Tarantino film
What makes you laugh?
Dad jokes, memes and good 'ol banter.
LGBTQ+ Staff Network
Name: Steve Dunne-Howells, Discharge Co-ordinator on Helena Ward and Lead Steward for the Royal College of Nursing
Can you tell us a bit about the staff network that you chair?
I chair the LGBTQ+ staff network. To date we have launched the NHS Rainbow Badges and are in the middle of going through the NHS Rainbow Badge accreditation scheme, which rates us on how inclusive our services are for patients and staff. We brought in the Trust's own rainbow lanyards. This year we have introduced several rainbow crossing dotted around the grounds.
What's your vision for the future of the staff network?
To have a Trust which is all–inclusive, where you can be who you want to be in a safe, caring environment. For the future of the network, to be NHS Rainbow badge accredited as well as achieving Stonewall accreditation. To have release time so we can have better planning the future of this group , with its own budget, and have a yearly celebration so that the Trust can have its own fully funded Pride day.
What is the best thing about working at the RUH?
The very friendly staff I work with on Helena ward.
If you could spend a day in another role at the RUH, what would you choose?
Spiritual care and the chaplaincy team
If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change at the RUH?
A nice brand new hospital with plenty of staff, where everyone gets on with one another no matter your gender, sexual orientation or where you are from in the world.
Which person, from past or present, would you invite for dinner, and why?
My Dad as I have never met him, so I can tell him about my life. Plus for him to meet my husband and grandchildren.
What's your favourite music?
I have a very mixed taste in music from jazz, classical, heavy metal, musicals and much more!
What's your favourite book?
The Silver Sword (Book) By Ian Serraillier
What makes you laugh?
My grandkids