Community
This page was last updated: April 25th, 2022
Staff networks
There are currently the following Staff Networks running on a regular basis:
Book Club – This is a virtual club held every 5 weeks via Microsoft Teams. For more information contact rcht.odteam@nhs.net
Volunteering – 4 ways to feel healthier and happier; volunteering can:
- connect you to others.
- be good for your mind and body.
- advance your career.
- bring fun and fulfilment to your life.
Volunteer Cornwall – are a charity dedicated to developing the wellbeing of individuals and communities in Cornwall.
RCHT Voluntary Services – more information about RCHT Voluntary Services.
Contact Point for anyone interested – rcht.inclusion@nhs.net
Ethnic Minority
Status
Active- low attendance
When
Quarterly – 2nd week of the 1st month of the quarter
Independent or Joint
Independent
Maturity
3 years old, low attendance due to operational pressures
Other
The purpose of this group is to share lived experiences, support and resources and discuss the overall action plans relating to race inequalities. The group discusses the data available through the WRES reports (likelihood indictors, staff survey etc.) and contributes to ideas for improvement.
BAME(Black and Asian Minorities)
To access these network meetings contact the BAME email: rcht.bme@nhs.net
Ethnic Minority Core Group
Status
Pending
When
TBC
Independent or Joint
Independent
Maturity
Core members identified, currently organising start date
Other
The purpose of this group is to actively work on the WRES action plans. Membership for this group holds more accountability to take the actions forward.
BAME(Black and Asian Minorities)
To access these network meetings contact the BAME email rcht.bme@nhs.net
Disability
Status
Active- low attendance
When
Under review
Independent or Joint
Joint
Maturity
Recent decision to merge due to low attendance in all Trusts
Other
The purpose of this group is to share lived experiences, support and resources and discuss the overall action plans relating to disability inequalities. The group discusses the data available through the WDES reports (likelihood indictors, staff survey etc.) and contributes to ideas for improvement. This group covers all disabilities and signposts to other networks for more specific support.
LGBT
Status
Active- good attendance
When
Bimonthly – date changeable
Independent or Joint
Joint – CFT/CCG
Maturity
3 years old, good attendance from CFT colleagues but low attendance from RCHT and CCG
Other
The purpose of this group is to share lived experiences, support and resources and discuss the overall action plans relating to LGBT inequalities. The group discusses the data available through Pulse Check surveys, Freedom to Speak Up, patient complaints etc. and contributes to ideas for improvement.
Contact Point
To access these Network meetings colleagues should contact Rachel Tofts by emailing r.tofts@nhs.net
LGBT Allies
Status
Active- low attendance
When
Bimonthly
Independent or Joint
Joint – CFT/CCG
Maturity
Run by CFT/ CCG. Low attendance from RCHT staff
Other
The purpose of the LGBT allies group is to provide a forum for those who support the LGBT community but do not identify as LGBT. This is a working group that focuses on action plans and objectives. This group was set up following feedback from the LGBT community that they wanted the LGBT network to be predominantly a safe space for those that identify.
Contact Point
To access these Network meetings colleagues should contact Rachel Tofts by emailing r.tofts@nhs.net
Gender Equality
Status
Pending
When
TBC
Independent or Joint
Independent
Maturity
Previously known as the Women’s Network, currently being rebranded as Gender Equality Network
Other
The purpose of this group is to share lived experiences, support and resources and discuss the overall action plans relating to gender inequalities. The group discusses the data available through the Gender Pay Gap (GPG) report, Staff Survey, Pulse Check surveys, Freedom to Speak Ups etc. and contributes to ideas for improvement.
Menopause Action Group
Status
Active- good attendance
When
3rd Wednesday of the month (1pm-2pm)
Independent or Joint
Independent
Maturity
New working group as of Sept 2021, replaced previous Menopause Network which only met quarterly. Now meeting monthly to meet demand
Other
Menopause can be a highly emotive topic, with many staff members becoming emotional when sharing their lived experiences. Previously we had one Menopause group but the emotion and desire to share tips and support meant that we weren’t able to effectively work on our Menopause action plan. We made the decision to create two groups. The Menopause Action Group works to an agenda, with minutes and an action log. This lunchtime group focuses on activity such as policy, reasonable adjustments and education.
Menopause Support Group
Status
Active- good attendance
When
1st Wednesday of the month (7pm-8pm)
Independent or Joint
Independent
Maturity
New support group, providing self-management tips and guidance
Other
This informal evening group focuses on sharing lived experiences, support and resources.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Allies (EDIAN)
Status
Active- low attendance
When
Bimonthly, typically 2 weeks of the month
Independent or Joint
Joint CFT
Maturity
Joint network established by CFT in Jan 2021. Recent surge in RCHT membership
Other
EDIAN is different from other staff networks, in that members often do not ‘represent’ the minorities that they are supporting. The group aims to be the link between colleagues who want to access further information around becoming more inclusive and curate tools to help them to do so. EDIAN aims to build resources, host talks, facilitate discussions and uncover biases.
Carers
Status
Dormant
When
TBC
Independent or Joint
Independent
Maturity
Have not met in some time due to COVID-19 and changes in Network Chairs. Due to resume
Other
The purpose of this group is to share lived experiences, support and resources and discuss the overall action plans relating to inequalities for people with disabilities and those that care for them. The group discusses the data available through patient complaints, Staff Survey, Pulse Check surveys, Freedom to Speak Ups etc. and contributes to ideas for improvement.
Neurodivergent (Autism)
Status
Active- low attendance
When
4th Monday of the month (2pm-4pm)
Independent or Joint
Joint CFT
Maturity
Merging with CFT Network with ultimate plan of creating a SW Neurodivergent Alliance
Other
The purpose of this group is to share lived experiences, support and resources and discuss the overall action plans relating to inequalities for people with neurodivergence (e.g. Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Developmental Delays). The group is fairly informal, with conversational flowing organically. The group work on small projects and work with the EDI Leads to implement bigger projects.
Equality & Inclusion Steering Group (EISG)
Status
Active- good attendance
When
Bimonthly. Last Wednesday of the first month 11am-1pm
Independent or Joint
Independent
Maturity
Good attendance. Working group with fixed agenda.
Other
EISG is a formal steering group with an agenda and minutes. The purpose of the group is pull together the activity happening across all networks, through the EDI leads and Patient Experience Teams. The group discusses the data available through WRES, WDES, GPG, Staff Survey, Pulse Check surveys, Freedom to Speak Up, Datix and staff and patient complaints and contributes towards ideas for improvement.
