The Disabled Staff Network is for disabled staff and those with long-term health conditions who work for the University, colleges and other associated institutions, including PhD students. We also welcome allies who want to know more about how to support disabled colleagues.
The Network was set up following a staff consultation carried out in 2021. Our committee launched in 2022. We provide a space to talk to other people with shared experiences and understanding, ask for informal help and advice, and learn more about the challenges that affect us as disabled people.
Most of our conversations happen through the mailing list and Yammer group. We also organise regular online events and the occasional in-person gathering.
DSN - Buddy Scheme for Managers
The DSN runs a buddy scheme between DSN members and managers and leaders in the University. Please refer to the Buddy Scheme info sheet for more information.
What does the Disabled Staff Network do?
Alongside the University's other Diversity Networks, the Disabled Staff Network provides information and support to staff, assists with the co-ordination of diversity events and helps the University to progress equality.
The aims of the network are to:
- Provide a forum for discussing access issues at work.
- Provide opportunities for disabled staff to network and socialise.
- Offer a space to raise issues in a safe environment.
- Contribute to policy development and implementation.
- Arrange events to increase understanding and celebrate diversity.
- Contribute to staff development activities, informing managers and colleagues to provide understanding and information that would be helpful to supporting disabled staff and those with long term conditions.
Governance
The Disabled Staff Network is run by a committee which is co-chaired by Professor Alison Dunning and Alina Wanitzek. If you’re interested in joining the committee, please get in touch.
The network is supported by Diane Jeffery from the University's ED&I Team.
DSN Members are staff who:
- Identify as disabled
- Have a long-term health condition
- Identify as neurodivergent
- Support colleagues, or care for someone who is disabled or who has a long-term condition
- Want to know more
Members are drawn from all staff groups from across all the various Departments, Faculties, Colleges and associated institutions at the University. PhD students are welcome to join the network.
Yammer group
Yammer is a social networking tool for organisations. Our group is a social space to share experiences and connect in a low-energy way. Feel free to say hello in the introductions thread and find out who everyone else is. You’re also very welcome to stay quiet and just read along. All network-wide updates are also sent via the mailing list.
► Join the DSN Yammer community here
► Join the mailing list anonymously here
