Since its launch in the spring, our Staff Networking Forum has already held three successful sessions, combining both online and in-person delivery. The response has been fantastic, with nearly all member organisations sending representatives to at least one session, and many attending two or three.

The forum’s discussions have been guided by valuable feedback, leading to the exploration of several interesting topics. Among the common themes of interest are the sharing of tools, documents, and events to support collaboration, as well as training for essential network leadership skills and promoting diversity and inclusion in resident initiatives.

In our initial forums, we delved into the purpose of staff networks, the importance of action plans and their contents, and effective ways to engage members. The learning process has been dynamic, with participants sharing tips and engaging in meaningful discussions.

One standout example of the forum’s success was when a member sought guidance on leveraging a newly appointed Executive Sponsor. Drawing from the experiences of other organisations, practical suggestions were shared, including having a clear role description for Executive Sponsors and establishing connections with other key stakeholders like HR and talent teams. This exchange not only boosted confidence in engaging with senior staff but also saved time and empowered Chairs to learn from one another.

As the forum grows, we aim to foster confidence through facilitating more of these knowledge exchanges, enabling Chairs to learn from experienced peers. By focusing on action planning and membership engagement, we hope to equip all members, regardless of where they are on their journey, with the foundational tools needed for a successful network.

Our dedication to continuous improvement means that we are already planning our first masterclass, based on valuable feedback from our members. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and strengthen the Staff Networking Forum!

Join us for the next session and be part of this exciting and supportive community! 

Contact our Networking team [email protected]