Is it an emergency?The ICB has a number of thriving staff networks. Each network has an executive lead sponsor. Network chairs/co-chairs are supported with their duties by having dedicated protected time away from their primary roles.
Our Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Staff Network
Our REACH Staff Network was launched following the celebration of Black History Month – October 2021 with our inaugural meeting taking place on 14 October 2021.
Our aim of this network is to improve the experience of our colleagues from ethnic minority background and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded in every strand of this organisation and also to support better outcome for the people we serve. This will be achieved through collaborative partnership with the board directors, executive management team, senior leaders and colleagues.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to stand against racism and racial discrimination, and to build an anti-racist organisation.
The other key aim of the Network will be to develop allies who will bring about positive change, willing to educate themselves, be open to listening and actively participate in conversations and debates for justice and equality.
Our vision:
- Inclusive recruitment practices
- Inclusive diverse leadership
- Enhance motivation
- Improve performance
- Release potential
- Address health inequalities
- Fair and transparent processes
- Increase innovation from BAME staff
- Improve cultural awareness
Our Disability Staff Network (known as the Ability Network)
The Ability Network was launched in November 2023 to coincide with UK Disability History Month which is celebrated annually. The Ability Network works in partnership with the organisation to create a safe, inclusive and diverse working environment that encourages respect and equality for all.
The network provides a collective voice to help shape and influence the organisation’s Equality and Diversity agenda for staff with visible and invisible disabilities and / or long term conditions.
Membership of the Ability Network is open to all ICB staff who have a disability and / or long term condition or who are interested in health and wellbeing at work and want to drive forward disability equality in the workplace (network / community friends)
Our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ+) Staff
Our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ+) Staff Network operates in partnership with the organisation to create a safe, inclusive and diverse working environment that encourages respect and equality for all.
The network provides a safe space for discussions and to share experience that values and recognises the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity, and thrives to work proactively to address these issues, specifically affecting transgender staff in the ICB and the NHS.
Membership is open to all NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and those with a positive interest in driving forward diversity and inclusion within the ICB.