Driving meaningful change and making a difference TOGETHERWEMAKEADIFFERENCE
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
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
“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
Winners of the Heart Awards 2025 Partner Award
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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 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) - 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 ”
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) 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
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 award
Meet the Chair
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 ”
“Being a part of the Race, Equality & Inclusion Staff Network (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 ”
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Public Health Specialist Midwife and Deputy Chair of REINWalburgh Manhungira
Network celebrations, events and activities
July SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH
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
“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 ”
Executive Director of People & REIN Executive SponsorSteven Ned
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
about joining.
Network members (as of May’25)
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 identify as disabled or have 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 EDI 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 a ti iti i l di d ds, the A s and s pment e
“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 NetworkMichael Wright
Network members (as of May’25)
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, 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.”
“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 like-minded 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 "
Inclusion & Wellbeing Communications Engagement Officer and LGBTQ+ Staff Network MemberZabrina Short
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
SOCIAL EVENTS
First social event February 2025
The Barnsley LGBTQ+ Forum, in collaboration with the Hospital, BMBC LGBTQ+ Staff Network, and Barnsley Civic, hosted an enjoyable social event for LGBT+ History Month. It offered a great opportunity for networking and strengthening community ties. With a live performance from Civic Pride Singers and stand-up comedy from our network Chair, it was a vibrant, friendly and fun evening!
“I'm proud to support our LGBTQ+ staff network and the work it does to create a safe, inclusive space for everyone This network aims to be both a support system and a force for real, positive change I encourage all staff - LGBTQ+ colleagues, allies and those who are just curious - to come along to network meetings, get involved, learn and help us build a workplace where everyone can be themselves and truly belong.”
Head of Leadership and Organisational Development and LGBTQ+ Staff Network Senior Leader SponsorDr Tim Spackman
Network members (as of May’25)
ArmedForcesForum
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
n the Hub to find out more um or enquire about joining
“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
Carers Forum
A safe space for staff 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
he Hub to find out more nquire about joining.
“Being part of a work based carers forum offers vital support for our staff who are often fulfilling the role of unpaid carers It allows them to connect with colleagues who share similar experiences and challenges, fostering a sense of community and understanding Through regular meetings and discussions, staff can share resources, exchange coping strategies, and receive emotional support, significantly alleviating the feelings of isolation that often accompany the dual responsibilities of caring and professional duties. Prioritising health and wellbeing is essential for our carers, who often neglect their own needs. By addressing their own wellbeing, carers are better equipped to manage stress, prevent burnout and maintain a healthier work – life balance.
Health and Wellbeing Coordinator and Chair of the Carers ForumSue Copeland
LED BY STAFF, FOR STAFF
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BHNFT has over 380 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 May’25
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
