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National Day for Staff Networks, taking place on Wednesday 14 May 2025, is a dedicated opportunity to recognise and celebrate the critical role that staff networks play in fostering inclusive, supportive, and equitable workplace environments.

This year’s theme, #ReadyForChange, highlights the importance of adaptability, as staff networks continue to evolve in response to the ever-changing dynamics of the modern workplace. From cultivating a sense of belonging to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, the contribution of staff networks has never been more vital!

As workplaces adapt to rapid developments in artificial intelligence, shifting priorities in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and broader global challenges, staff networks remain a steadfast source of connection, empowerment, and advocacy.

The National Day for Staff Networks Committee reports that:

• 66% of employees believe that networks contribute to a more inclusive work environment.
• 70% of individuals aged 18–24 are more likely to apply to organisations that have active staff networks.

Our Staff Networks:

The University supports a number of identity-based Staff networks as part of work towards building an Inclusive Sussex, where all members of our community have equal access to opportunities, are enabled to fully meet their potential, and are supported to contribute. Our networks support the University community and enable the voices of a wide range of people to be heard so we can better understand and address barriers to equal representation, attainment, progression and reward.

Sussex staff can join or engage with staff network activities either as a member or ally, and participate in any locally arranged initiatives in their school or department. At Sussex we are proud to have the following staff networks, supported by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team:

• Ethnic Minority Staff Network

• LGBTQ+ Staff Network

• Neurodiversity Staff Network

• Parent and Carer Staff Network

• Staff Disability Network

• Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network

• Long Covid and Chronic Fatigue Staff Support Network (part of the Staff Disability Network).

If you would like to find out more about a network or how to join, please visit the staff networks webpage.

Staff Networks Joint Event:

This year to mark and celebrate National Day for Staff Networks we are excited to invite staff to a special joint event organised by the staff networks: a Campus Walk, Cuppa & Cake meet-up on Wednesday, 14 May, from 1:30PM to 3:00PM. This is our first joint network event, designed to bring our members together, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with each other on the National Day for Staff Networks! You can choose to participate in all aspects of the event or just join us for the part that interests you the most. To make the route accessible to everyone, it is step free. We will be meeting at the Meeting House and starting the walk from Library Square.

This event is open to all staff at the University, so please come along if you want to meet our network chairs and members. For further information and to register please click here.

Our Commitment to Staff Networks:

The University commitment to Staff Networks encourages managers to support members to attend network meetings and events during their working hours where business needs allow. This is part of valuing the crucial contribution of our staff networks and their important role in supporting the University to achieve the goals outlined in Inclusive Sussex.

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