Introduction

Staff networks and support groups represent people that may need extra support in the workplace. They are developed by communities of staff that share equality, diversity, and inclusion characteristics such as:

• a disability
• being a carer
• part of the LGBT + community
• a connection to the armed forces
• becoming a new or expectant parent.

They exist to help:

• you feel supported by your peers
• you share concerns in a safe and confidential space
• raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with shared characteristics
• promote an inclusive and diverse workplace
• contribute to relevant consultations on policy and service development
• signpost to services and other available information, including resources and external networks.

Disabled staff network

Our network is a safe and confidential space for staff who:

• identify as disabled
• have a long-term physical or mental health condition
• identify as neurodivergent
• care for someone who is disabled or has a long-term condition
• support colleagues
• want to know and learn more.

The video below explains:

• who can join the disabled staff network
• what happens at a meeting
• when the sessions take place
• what members say about the group.

Our meetings

At the monthly meetings we discuss:

• relevant corporate updates
• the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agenda
• any accessibility issues that have come to light
• progress against previous items
• any other business.

The network meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 12.30pm via Teams.

LGBT+ employee forum

Our LGBT+ forum aims to provide staff with:

• an increased awareness of LGBT+ needs and issues
• a platform to learn about the needs of LGBT+ customers and residents
• a space to support your health and wellbeing
• the opportunity to have your say, attend social events and listen to guest speakers
• a way for non-LGBT+ staff who would like to know how they can better support family members, colleagues, and customers
• ways to learn more about championing our diverse and inclusive culture by being an LGBT+ ally.

Nationally it is estimated that between 5 and 7 per cent of people are LGBT+ with a significant increase in the number of people who are willing to openly identify as such over the last few years. This is due to several factors but is largely because more dedicated support and services are aimed at the LGBT+ community. We have a long-standing history of pioneering change and embracing diversity, our vision 'Your East Riding... where everyone matters' is just one example of this.

The LGBT strategic needs assessment showed that people who are LGBT+ often face:

• increased risk of experiencing hate crime
• lack of support in education
• increased social isolation and loneliness
• higher incidences of poor mental and sexual health.

However, in the East Riding these experiences are lower than national rates.

Our meetings

The forum meets on the third Wednesday lunch time of each month, 12.30 - 1.30pm and the third Thursday evening of each month, 6.30 - 7.30pm via Teams.

Carers’ network

Many of our employees provide support and/or unpaid care for a family member or friend. We understand that this is very difficult when you are also working, either part-time or full-time.

Our carers' network gives you a great space to:

• discuss your caring experiences with others in a similar situation
• gain support
• form friendships
• learn from each other
• share useful techniques you've discovered while caring for your loved one.

Our meetings

The network meets on the last Thursday of the month, 12.30 - 1.30pm via Teams.

Armed forces network

Our armed forces network is for staff who are part of the armed forces community. This includes:

• veterans
• reservists
• staff with a military spouse or partner
• those with family members who are in the military.

The network provides a safe space for staff to:

• support each other
• share their experiences and challenges
• signpost and promote support services available within the council and externally
• provide feedback and suggestions on how to improve the support available
• share information on local activities and events related to the armed forces community
• provide mentoring and support for new members
• raise awareness of the benefits of joining the network to other staff who are members of the armed forces community.

Our meetings

The network meets three or four times a year, both in person and virtually.

Journey to parenthood and beyond network

Our network welcomes all parents, including you if you are:

• pregnant
• on maternity leave or shared parental leave
• looking to adopt or on adoption leave
• taking maternity support leave (paternity leave)
• recently back at work after parental leave
• a parent of an older child or children.

Our network is a safe place to:

• share experiences and support each other
• promote available support
• raise awareness
• participate in discussions on topics that impact working parents.

Our meetings

The network meets once a month. The location and time of our meetings vary, so please contact us to find out more.

Men's health and wellbeing network

Our network welcomes all genders and provides a safe space to:

• encourage you to talk about your health and wellbeing
• share experiences and support each other
• feel heard and understood
• ask questions and raise discussions, including anonymously if you’d prefer
• get to know other people across the council.

Our meetings

The network plan to meet once every two months via Teams, in person or as a hybrid with Teams connected at a meeting room. The dates and times of the meetings vary, so please join the network or contact us to find out when the next one is.

At our meetings we plan to offer:

• guest speakers
• focused topics
• an anonymous chat function to ask questions.

The 'Pause Café'

Our 'Pause Café' is a warm and supportive group that understands and celebrates the journey of the menopause.

The support group provides a great space to:

• share your experiences
• listen to others
• offer and receive encouragement on your journey
• find comfort during this transformative time
• seek advice
• form friendships.

Our meetings

The group meet monthly either via Teams or in person.

Sponsorlink hub

Our network welcomes colleagues who are applying, or thinking about applying for roles that are eligible for the visa sponsorship process. We provide a safe, supportive space where you can:

• ask questions about the visa sponsorship journey
• hear from staff who have already been through the process
• share concerns, tips and experiences
• connect with others who may be at a similar stage
• feel supported throughout your application.

Our meetings

Our meeting dates and times change around the needs of our group.

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Next steps

When we receive your request, we will:

• make sure it fits in with the ethos of staff networks and support groups
• contact you to advise you may set up the network or support group and provide any help you may need.