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Our staff networks

We want to promote equality throughout our workforce and have created a number of networks and ‘task and finish’ groups to support work on specific protected characteristics. Our networks are open to all staff members who want to help promote equality.

  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) (Pride network)
  • Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (Race Equality network)
  • Staff who have experience with a disability or long-term health condition, champions and carers (Purple network)

To support our strategy, we also host quarterly meetings with our directorate Equality Leads.

We also jointly coordinate the Thames Valley LGBT good practice network with Reading University and get involved with annual Reading Pride event.

Our courage network provides members of the wider Armed Forces Community a chance to meet others, share stories, attend social events, provide mutual support and advice during harder times, and generally let off steam. This includes veterans, reservists, staff whose family members have served or are serving.

If you’re from the armed forces, including veterans, reservists, are a family member of someone who is currently serving or who has previously served, or if you simply want to become an ally, you're welcome to join our new Courage Staff Network.

The network is part of our commitments to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Read more about how we’re providing healthcare support for our veterans

We believe that all our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer staff should feel free to be ‘out’ about their sexuality without fear of harassment, bullying or discrimination.

We offer all our LGBTQ staff advice and support to make sure that we practice sexual orientation equality across our organisation and the services we deliver.

Staff can attend our meetings, which are held every two months, receive personal support and mentoring, and get involved with the local LGBTQ community in Berkshire.

We launched our Purple network to support staff who have experience with a disability or long-term health condition, champions and carers. 

Our networks are also responsible for creating action plans to combat bullying and discrimination from staff and patients to make sure that everyone has a friendly work environment.

We also have a Friends, Family and Carers Charter to support staff and patients who having caring responsibilities.

Read more about our Friends, Family and Carers Charter (opens new browser tab)

Berkshire has a diverse population and we believe that this should be reflected in our workforce.

We support all our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff to help them access opportunities to develop their skills and progress their careers, making sure that BAME staff are represented at all levels of our organisation.