Global Ethnic Majority

Gateshead’s Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) Network is a vibrant staff-led group that endeavours to create a supportive working environment and policy framework for BAME staff while also encouraging all staff and students within the trust to understand the needs of our BAME community – hence providing better patient care.

Membership is open to all GEM staff and students within the trust, and to those who are passionate in promoting equity for GEM staff and students and patient experience. Allies are welcomed to attend network meetings and can therefore support our Trust’s journey toward inclusive excellence.

This network meets every third Wednesday of the month at 1pm at QE Hospital. You can follow this network on Twitter, @ghnt_bame, or join the network by emailing them on the button below.

D-Ability

Gateshead’s D-Ability network provides a voice within the Trust for disability equality.

Our D-Ability staff network is explicit about helping individuals to understand the broad parameters of disability. The network supports staff with any kind of disability – visible or not, and also support staff who do not consider themselves to be disabled.

This network’s vision is to encourage respect, dignity & equality for all; to further positive culture around disability; to assist the Trust in improving recruitment, retention and development of disabled staff; to act as a safe point of contact for disabled staff and enable them to achieve their potential; to identify and raise strategic issues of concern that affect disabled staff and support positive change for them; and to act as a disability champion by raising awareness of issues and responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act and improving staff experience

This network meet the second Wednesday of every month at 1pm, currently via Teams. The Network also offers a range of support around Neurodiversity, which you can find out more about on the intranet.

LGBT+

The LGBT+ network that is open to all employees that will:

• Provide support and a safe space for LGBT+ staff and allies
• Build a culture where LGBT+ staff know they have the full support of the Trust – right from Board to ward level
• Hold the Trust to account when it comes to the LGBT+ agenda and drive change towards a fully inclusive culture

The network is only as good as the people who are involved so we invite staff from across the Trust to join us – everyone can play a part, no contribution is too small. You can join whether you identify as LGBT+ or are an ally who wants to help us make Gateshead Health an inclusive and supportive place to work for everyone.

The network meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 12:30pm. Meetings are primarily done via Teams, but we hold in-person meetings when possible. Meetings are generally very informal and a safe space for staff to be themselves. Get in touch via email at [email protected] to find out more about the network, join in with the meetings, be added to our mailing list, or if you need some support. We’re happy to help out!