Our Staff Networks are a staff-led community of interest that help create a more equal place to work.
They are recognised as important in driving meaningful change and making a difference, as well as empowering people with the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
“It’s very important to me personally that all of us feel valued and can pursue enjoyable and rewarding careers in the Trust, regardless of our personal characteristics. Our Staff Networks are a vital part of how we ensure that differing voices are listened to and heard. Each provides a safe and welcoming forum for collaboration and sharing of experiences that supports our values of Respect, Teamwork and Diversity ”
Chief Executive Richard Jenkins
We know that when staff feel supported and happy at work, this has a positive impact on colleagues, creates more productive teams and ultimately improves patient care.
FEEL EMPOWERED
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“I believe we are fortunate that Barnsley Hospital has a Staff Network Our organisation is incredibly diverse, with numerous hidden talents. The Staff Network offers a fantastic opportunity to connect and exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues across the organisation. I encourage staff to join, and remember, everyone is welcome. Feel free to attend and observe, to see if you would like to join Our staff networks are doing incredible work in amplifying voices and ensuring that everyone's voices are heard ”
Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHPS - Sarah Moppett
“As one of the senior leaders and advocate for our Staff Network, I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered Our staff network serves as a cornerstone for fostering collaboration and innovation By embracing our collective strengths and diverse perspectives, we can achieve extraordinary outcomes together. I encourage each of you to actively engage, contribute your insights, and seize the opportunities available Together, let's cultivate a workplace where everyone can flourish and fulfil their potential Thank you for your commitment and contributions. I eagerly anticipate the great strides we will make together ”
Chief Executive
Richard Jenkins
Deputy Director of People - Emma Lavery
“Be Proud to Care and join our Staff Network and be part of the change. You can act as an advisor to advance our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) agenda Our members have organised various activities and campaigns to raise awareness and enhance experiences Join our Staff Network to champion diversity, share experiences, amplify voices, and celebrate belonging - you truly belong.”
Head of Inclusion & Wellbeing - Pauline Garnett
“The Staff Network is your voice and the catalyst for workplace transformation We deeply appreciate our members' hard work and commitment to making our Trust more inclusive Together, we can amplify your voice, making not only our trust a better place to work but also making Barnsley a better place to live Join us and be the change.”
Inclusion & Wellbeing Lead - Roya Pourali
Race Equality and Inclusion Staff Network
Open to all staff who do not identify as white British, and allies who support the cause of racial equality
Meet the Chair
Striving for equality
Aims to foster an inclusive workplace by promoting racial equality, supporting staff from diverse backgrounds, and advocating for systemic change
Provides a platform for sharing voices, experiences and offers mutual support
Facilitates learning whilst influencing and improving the organisation
Meet monthly via teams with some face-to-face meetings
Celebrate awareness days and cultural events together
Shortlisted nominee for non-clinical team
Dr Rajeev Gupta, Consultant Paediatrician
“ I am passionate about equal opportunity to all, irrespective of their ethnicity or the background. I have been involved in this work for over 17 years I am also involved in Regional ICS Network for Race Equality and would be delighted to hear from Barnsley Hospital staff about any issues that they are facing. We have Board sponsorship from Steven Ned, Director of People The network is a very positive environment to bring changes to culture so that all can feel comfortable and confident raising issues that affect them at personal, departmental or team level.”
“Our strength lies in inclusivity and empowerment. As one of the senior leaders and the REIN sponsor, I am dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and equipped to succeed. Our staff network is a powerful tool for growth and innovation. By sharing our diverse perspectives and supporting one another, we can achieve great things I encourage you to engage actively, voice your thoughts, and take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available Allyship is a crucial part of our mission, and I encourage all staff, regardless of background, to become involved in a network. By standing together and supporting each other, we strengthen our community and drive meaningful change ”
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Network celebrations, events and activities
SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH
July
An event to celebrate the contributions of South Asian colleagues. A quiz tested staff knowledge of SAH, and a reciprocal mentoring programme was shared A cultural guide was distributed to help colleagues understand the history and culture of international nurses.
October BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Celebrated annually, in 2023, we led with our "Call My Name Right" campaign which encouraged staff to correctly pronounce BME colleagues’ names. In 2024, Dr Rajeev Gupta, gave a powerful speech on equal opportunities. The events have great representation from senior leaders
ONAM AND DIWALI
November
Senior leaders, along with representatives from BHNFT Chaplaincy and LGBTQ+ staff network, join annually in celebrating Diwali and Onam The event showcases our commitment to diversity and inclusivity at all levels of Barnsley Hospital with music, light and dance
“Being a part of the REIN provides a supportive and safe environment for networking, advocacy, and skill development, empowering BME staff If you haven't already become a member, I strongly encourage you to join, either as a BME member or as an ally. Together, we uphold Trust values and cultivate a more inclusive working environment where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.”
Deputy Chair of REIN Walburgh Manhungira
Search ‘Staff Networks’ on the Hub to find out more about REIN’s events, campaigns & activities.
Network members (as of Sept’24)
Ability Staff Network
A safe place for staff with a disability or who are neurodivergent to share their concern, influence and improve the organisation.
Inclusive and supportive
Open to staff members and volunteers who identifies as disabled or has a mental or physical health condition or impairment This could include: physical or sensory impairments neurodiversity mental health conditions other health/medical conditions
Also open to anyone who would like to learn and be an ally
The network offers a space to listen and learn about improvement aims to increase inclusivity for people with both visible and invisible disabilities
Meet bi-monthly via teams with occasional face-to-face meetings
Celebrate awareness days and cultural events together
Meet the Chair
Michelle epitomises unwavering dedication and passionate advocacy In addition to her professional role as a Learning Disability and Autism Acute Liaison, Michelle works tirelessly to make a meaningful difference
Michelle believes that true progress is achieved not only through individual effort but through collective action and solidarity
Michelle's commitment goes beyond the confines of her job description; she sees her work as a means to amplify the voices of disabled and neurodivergent staff within the Trust
Michelle Evans, Learning Disability and Autism Acute Liaison
Network celebrations, events and activities
DISABILITY HISTORY MONTH
November
Celebrated annually in hospital, we hold an event to celebrate Disability History Month with contributions from our partners AccessAble, Communication Access UK and Project Search supported Internships. During the 2023 event, we launched Barnsley Hospital’s Reasonable Adjustments Guide and Neurodiversity Guide. Both developed with collaboration from the Ability Staff Network, the Inclusion & Wellbeing Team and Occupational Health (OH) Team here at BHNFT.
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT EVENT
May
The event aimed to celebrate achievements, drive new membership, gather feedback, and share information on workplace disability and neurodiversity
LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK
June
Led by the network Chair, Michelle Evans, the awareness week featured multiple events and activities including ward rounds, the Autism Reality Experience and supporting Learning & Development engagement events
“The staff network has established an effective platform for amplifying staff voices to drive change and enhance the trust I encourage managers and colleagues to support staff to join the staff network We appreciate our staff for dedicating their time and actively participating in initiatives aimed at improving the organisation and fostering a more inclusive environment.”
Managing Director and Executive Sponsor of the Ability Network Michael Wright
Network members (as of Sept’24)
LGBTQ+ Staff Network
A safe place for LGBTQ+ staff and allies, to come together, share experiences, facilitate learning and influence and improve the organisation.
Feel safe and comfortable to be yourself
The network aims to support LGBTQ+ staff to bring their “whole self” to work - to feel safe and comfortable with being themselves
Provides a safe environment to raise LGBTQ+ issues and gives information, guidance and support to staff
We have representation from Barnsley LGBTQ+ Forum and TransBarnsley, enriching the network with local community information
Meet bi-monthly via teams with occasional face-to-face meetings
We welcome new network members, whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or as an ally and welcome you to attend our meetings
Meet the Chair
Dr Iain Woodrow, Consultant Clinical Scientist
“Since the Network was formed around four years ago, we have gone from strength to strength, with our membership numbers increasing all the time Our aim is to give a voice to members of the LGBTQ+ Community within the hospital and be a driving force to help guide the Trust in its policies to promote inclusivity for the Community, ensuring equitability for staff, visitors and patients alike. We also recognise that the Hospital is part of our local Barnsley community and we have strong links with local LGBTQ+ groups, including Barnsley Pride and the Barnsley LGBTQ+ Forum. Please join us if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ Community or an ally ”
Search ‘Staff Networks’ on the Hub to find out more about the LGBTQ+ Staff Network’s events, campaigns and activities.
Network celebrations, events and activities
LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH
February
Collaborative efforts during LGBTQ+ History Month involve SYP Hate Crime Coordinator, BMBC, Barnsley LGBTQ+ Forum, TransBarnsley, and Hospital LGBTQ+ staff network coming together to raise awareness and promote inclusivity.
BARNSLEY PRIDE & HOSPITAL PRIDE
July & September
The in-hospital event was organised in partnership and representation of LGBTQ+ staff network, SY police, Barnsley LGBTQ+ Forum, BMBC and the LGBTQ+ staff network. Barnsley Hospital LGBTQ+ staff network joined the Pride steering group, sharing a stall with BMVP and the Membership & Engagement Officer
ANOYNOMOUS Q&A
Launched February 2024
Do you have a question that relate to the topics of sexual orientation, gender identity or LGBTQ+ rights and history? All staff are invited to ask questions of the LGBTQ+ panel.
“I've been amazed by the opportunities the network has provided me Not only do I have a platform to voice my concerns and ideas, but I also get to connect with likeminded colleagues and feel supported The celebratory events are a joy to be a part of and it’s great to work in such an inclusive environment. I invite you to join us in this journey of growth and collaboration. Together, we can make a real difference "
LGBTQ+ Staff Network Member
Zabrina Short
Network members (as of Sept’24)
Barnsley Hospital
Armed Forces Staff Network
No challenge is too great for those who stand together
Our Armed Forces Forum helps identify and bring together employees at the Trust with an armed forces link or an interest in supporting the local Armed Forces community
Provides a safe and familiar environment for members to reflect on their service days
Keeps staff informed about what’s going on locally and find out what specialist support is available to those who serve, and have served.
Meet quarterly via teams with occasional face-toface meetings and engagement events
“Having served over 24 years in the Royal Air Force, the transition to a civilian role can, at times, make you feel a little isolated. For me, the Armed Forces Forum brings together ex-fellow service members who have suffered similar circumstances or situations and gives you the chance to meet, discuss, guide and plan how you can move forward We can offer support, guidance and a friendly face and put you in touch with people who can help further. We want to encourage other ex-service members into the NHS and join the team and be part of the ex-forces family ”
Head of Facilities and Chair of the Armed Forces Forum
Paul Haytree
Search ‘Staff Networks’ on the Hub to find out more about the Armed Forces Forum or enquire about joining.
Carers Forum
A safe space for staff at BHNFT who have a caring role outside of work to come together and share experiences
What is a carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend due to their: Disability - Health condition - Frailty - Mental health problem - Addiction or other health care need
Why join our Carers Forum?
It is a safe and supportive space for Carers to come together and share their experiences, information about what they’ve found helpful, gather further info, tips and guidance on what support is available across Barnsley
Approximately 40% of our staff care for children aged 0-17 years and 30% care for a family member, friend, neighbour or others
Search ‘Staff Networks’ on the Hub to find out more about the Carers Forum or enquire about joining.
Menopause Awareness and Support
Here at Barnsley Hospital, we aim to help women experiencing the menopause to feel empowered and supported within the workplace throughout their journey by providing information and advice relating to the menopause and managing symptoms.
We are a Menopause Friendly Accredited Employer
We host regular awareness sessions for colleagues and managers Vivup now offer a FREE 24/7 Menopause Support Line; 03303 802059
27 of our staff have volunteered to be Menopause Advocates to support this agenda
Our Meno Fan Club offers peer support, tips and information. The drop-in sessions are a relaxed, informal and safe space for staff to meet and talk about the menopause
For more information search ‘Menopause’ on the Hub or email: bdg-tr.inclusionandwellbeing@nhs.net
LED BY STAFF, FOR STAFF
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BHNFT has over 330 staff network members*
Active participation in staff networks can improve job satisfaction and retention rates, as employees feel more valued and connected to the organisation
Staff networks help shape inclusive policies by providing feedback during the development process
Staff networks are one of the top three highly rated initiatives by staff in our 2024 Health & Wellbeing Survey
*Correct as of Sept’24
A SAFE SPACE FOR EVERYONE
Joining a staff network is a transformative experience that goes beyond your day-to-day work It offers a supportive and safe place where you can share, grow, lead initiatives, and influence the culture of your workplace By being part of a staff network, you’re helping to shape a more inclusive, dynamic, and empowered environment Together, we can make a difference.
To find out more or become a member search ‘Staff Networks’ on the Hub
