Staff Equality Networks
The organisation supports several staff Equality Networks designed to offer colleagues opportunities to connect, socialise, and find support. These networks also facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge. They promote discussions and enhance colleague engagement in advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion within the university.
UON Staff Networks play a critical role in the development of our university strategies, policies, and practices and help make the University an inclusive environment for employees from all different backgrounds. Each of our networks is supported by a senior sponsor to ensure.
See below information on our staff networks.
Disability Network provides a safe space for debate, networking, support and raising the profile for staff with or caring for those with disabilities. Any staff member is welcome to join. To be a supportive, empowering and aspirational space for sharing experiences and ideas, developing resources and providing information.
The Early Careers Staff Network represents a source of support for both Professional and Academic staff in the beginning stages of their career, those new to the Higher Education sector and staff looking to develop skills for progression. Predominantly, focused on professional staff, with much overlapping content between groups.
Providing a safe space for open dialogue, learning, understanding and mutual respect. We are creating a group where we can find welcome and encouragement, learn about our differences (and learn to disagree better) as well as highlight similarities, whilst building support structures within and between our own faiths. At the same time, highlight and encourage colleagues in their understanding of the importance that Faith and Belief holds in the lives of many staff.
We are also fostering connections in the wider interfaith community outside of the university that will be beneficial for our network members and collaborate with other Staff Networks.
The GEM Network provides a supportive safe space for Black and Brown staff to connect with and learn from each other’s experiences and insights. Its mission extends beyond this, as strives to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by staff of colour at UON and contribute to the development of race equity policies and practices within the institution.
The LGBT+ Staff Network exists to ensure a safe and supportive space for LGBT+ staff, to represent our community and work with University managements to embed LGBT+ inclusion, and to celebrate LGBT+ identity through increased visibility, communication, and advocacy.
The Perimenopause and Menopause Support Network exists to ensure a safe and supportive space for staff, to discuss the menopause and its related issues and provide advice and support to each other. The Perimenopause and Menopause Support Network also aims to work with university management to raise awareness of the menopause and the affects it can have on individuals at work to ensure that the right levels of support are in place for all and that UON is Menopause Friendly.
Our Parents and Carers group brings together a diverse group of staff who come together informally to discuss various topics that affect them as parents. Conversations range from work-related issues to sharing of personal experiences as parents. This inclusive group welcomes everyone, including mums, dads, step-parents, carers, adoptive parents, and expectant parents.
The Women’s network exists for all female, and anyone identifying as female, staff at the University. It aims to provide a safe space for debate, networking, support and raising the profile of women and gender equality.
Stonewall Diversity Champions
We are proud to be a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme which supports employers in ensuring that all LGBTQ+ staff can be their authentic selves at work. It offers the University valuable expertise and guidance on various aspects of LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Our goal is to create an environment where every staff member and student feels heard, valued, and respected, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We believe that our involvement in the Stonewall Diversity Champions programme will help us achieve this goal.
If interested in joining our staff networks contact equality@northampton.ac.uk or visit our Staff Intranet page (requires log in) to find out how to join.