The next National Day for Staff Networks is taking place on Wednesday 11 May 2022. Networks are all about people; they are about progressive change; they are all about supporting the employee journey and inspiring a feeling of belonging.
Our continued success at Durham relies on the many talents of all our staff. We aim to create an environment to maximise the benefit of our diverse community, enabling all staff and students to achieve their full potential and help us to attract and retain some of the most talented and motivated staff from around the world.
The purpose of the National Day for Staff Networks is to shine a light and recognise the multiple benefits that staff networks/resource groups offer and in so many cases offer their organisation.
Do you know about the various staff networks that are available to you at Durham?
We have several staff networks, and we would like to introduce you to a few of them here:
BAME network
The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) network aims to provide a voice for our BAME staff to engage with BAME postgraduate students at the University.
The network welcomes and encourages participation from all of our BAME staff who by virtue of their race, religion, colour or ethnic origin are identifiable as being different from the ethnic majority.
Disability network
The aims of the Network are to first and foremost provide a voice for staff with disabilities and to create a space where issues affecting staff with disabilities can be discussed in a supportive and confidential way.
However, it is not just about the sharing of experiences, no matter how important that is. The network is about establishing a legitimate voice for staff with disabilities and ensuring that our voices are heard in the right places.
First Generation
The First Generation Scholars network aims to celebrate and promote the achievements of people who are the first generation in their family to go to University. The network also provides the extra support First Generation Scholars may need to negotiate University life and get the most from their time at Durham.
LGBTQ+
The LGBT Staff network exists for our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender staff members, their family and friends. Membership is drawn from across our departments and divisions, covering both staff and postgraduate students.
MAMS
The MAMS network exists for our members who are mothers and expectant mothers. Our membership is drawn from across our departments and divisions, covering both staff and students. We meet informally at least once a term and keep in touch via email updates and a Facebook page.
Women@DU
Women@DU is a new network that brings together our staff who identify as female, in order to share experiences, opportunities and knowledge, offering mutual support and a networking space to discuss issues that are important to us.
If you would like to learn more and find out about other networks across the University, visit the Let's Network pages.