They achieve this by:
- influencing, challenging, and improving our strategy, policies and practices
- promoting the voices of staff with protected characteristics to ensure that their views are considered in decisions that impact them
- providing safe spaces for staff to share their experiences and receive peer support.
Staff Networks are vital to achieving our People Plan vision of:
'Together we make OUH a great place to work where we all feel we belong'.
How Staff Networks are run
Staff Networks are run by staff who volunteer their time to take up leading roles. Network Leads work with members to identify priorities to deliver on.
They are supported by the Culture and Leadership service and each have an Executive Sponsor who champions them at Board level and enables them to reach their potential.
Our five Staff Networks
The Trust has five Staff Networks that focus on promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), providing a safe and supportive environment for members to connect, share experiences and build community.
These Networks are open to all staff and everyone is encouraged to get involved.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network
The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network is an inclusive group with a mission to provide support to, and promote the voice of, BAME staff across the Trust.
We are passionate about raising the profile of issues of race, ethnicity and cultural heritage.
Further information
Email: BAME.Network@ouh.nhs.uk
Disability and Accessibility Network
The Disability and Accessibility Network aims to provide support and advice for anyone with a disability or long-term health condition.
We also support carers through our Network and welcome anyone with an interest in disability and accessibility issues.
Further information
Email: Disabled.StaffNetwork@oxnet.nhs.uk
LGBT+ Network
The LGBT+ Network’s purpose is to advance equality for, and offer support to, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) staff, with an aim to raise awareness of, and address, issues that LGBT+ staff face, along with building a sense of community through a range of events and activities.
Further information
Email: LGBT@ouh.nhs.uk
Women's Network
The Women's Network unites those with a shared passion for women's rights and provides a forum for women to discuss issues that impact on their lives in the workplace.
We aim to raise awareness of issues and barriers women face, effect practical change, and empower women to develop their careers.
Further information
Email: WomensNetwork@ouh.nhs.uk
Young Apprentices Network
The Young Apprentices Network supports young apprentices at the start of their careers. We aim to provide a supportive environment and empower each other.
We promote the excellent enrichment opportunities available, ambassador roles and the amazing successes of our apprentices.
Further information
Email: ApprenticeNetwork@oxnet.nhs.uk
Network successes
Our Staff Networks have achieved some amazing things to advance EDI within the Trust. Some examples of their successes are below:
Menopause awareness
The Women's Network played a pivotal role in the development of a new Menopause Toolkit and contributed significantly to the content and introduction of the new OUH Menopause Policy.
The Network was actively involved in shaping the content of the Policy, ensuring it was inclusive, evidence-based and reflective of the real experiences and needs of staff affected by menopause.
In addition, the Network has led outreach events during Menopause Awareness Month across all four OUH sites, which are now supported by both the Menopause Book Library and the Symptom Management Device Library services.
AccessAble site guides
The Disability and Accessibility Network partnered with the Patient Experience Team, along with their interim Network sponsor, Clare Winch, to make an application to Oxford Hospitals Charity for funding to enhance visits to our hospitals for disabled patients and visitors by implementing AccessAble guides.
The AccessAble website and app provides detailed access information and photos to enable planning for visits. The project will help remove barriers faced by disabled people and improve wayfinding for everyone.
The project is a great example of collaborative working and really demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to inclusion and a better patient and staff experience.
Black History Month
The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network successfully marked Black History Month with a vibrant and engaging series of events celebrating Black culture, identity and wellbeing.
Highlights included a film screening of Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, an energetic Afro Dance Workshop, and a half-day conference featuring keynote speaker Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE.
The programme also featured a thought-provoking webinar with Joy Warmington and a health promotion stand focused on reclaiming narratives around physical activity.
These events fostered meaningful dialogue, cultural celebration and staff engagement across the Trust.
