In support of National Networks Day yesterday, our Trust was promoting the work done by our BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethinc) group so far and encouraging other colleagues to get involved to make a difference.

Our Talk in Confidence initiative was also launched - where BAME staff offer support to other BAME colleagues across the Trust who might want to talk in confidence about issues affecting them at work, without raising a formal complaint.

The day had  hashtags of  #makingworkbetter #shareyourstory

Assistant Director of Human Resources, Azizen Khan, told CHFT Weekly: "Lots of colleagues from all roles stopped by our stands, as well as mental healthcare colleagues from SWYFT working on site. People were keen to find out what the group was about and why we're doing the work we are.

"We had consultants, dieticians, porters and colleagues from health informatics, as well as others who took information away. We also used it as a chance to explain more about the Talk in Confidence initiative".

Read all about our BAME network and how to join the group on our dedicated intranet pages (found in non-clinical information).

**Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, who founded the National Network Day, (NND) says: "The National Day for Staff Networks is an opportunity for staff networks to understand that they can link arms to challenge the status quo; for intersectionality to arise; to stand together under a canopy of unity and make work better."                     

NND gives formal recognition to the fantastic effort of staff networks operating in the UK workplace. They offer support to employees from different groups as they endeavour to navigate the processes, systems and culture that may prevent them from progressing and/or being their authentic self in the workplace. They are an effective mechanism of workforce engagement that can provide insight into unseen barriers and devise practical, creative and commercially viable solutions to help address the systemic challenges faced by certain groups. Put simply, effective staff networks are making work better.