Staff networks

About our staff networks

Staff networks have been established with the aim of providing peer support, social events, networking and a voice of lived experience on equality and diversity issues.

Each network Chair is a member of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Oversight Group, giving staff an extra way to have their voice heard all the way to our Board.

All networks have initially been set up and are supported by the Diversity and Inclusion team, but it is not our network - it’s yours. Networks are open to all staff, volunteers and allies based within NHS Highland (comprising the Highland HSCP and Argyll and Bute HSCP areas).

If you wish to get involved or know more about the work of the networks, then please get in touch - communications are confidential and we do not require you to specify why you identify with a particular group. Terms of reference for all network groups are available on request.

Facts about network membership

Diversity network members are supported to attend network events and participate in network activities. All networks are hosted on Microsoft Teams, where members can have conversations on Channels, share files and resources and host meetings online.

The Diversity and Inclusion Team are on hand to help, and to take forward any issues raised by the networks.

All groups are private and though there is some degree of visibility when you join (other members can see who you are), we request that members maintain strict confidentiality about membership and contents.

Privacy statement for NHS Scotland staff network registration

Purpose of data collection

When you register for an NHS Scotland Staff Network, we collect personal data to:

facilitate your participation in the network
communicate relevant updates, events, and opportunities
monitor and improve inclusivity and engagement across NHS Scotland
ensure compliance with equality, diversity, and inclusion policies

The legal basis for processing your data is your sign-up to a network (consent) and our legitimate interest in supporting staff engagement and wellbeing.

What data we collect

We may collect the following information:

name
NHS email address
job title/department/pay number
workplace location
optional demographic information (e.g. ethnicity, gender, disability status)

Who has access to your data

Access to your data is strictly limited to:

designated staff network coordinators
NHS Highland Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead - Workforce
IT administrators (for technical support only)

All individuals with access are bound by confidentiality agreements and data protection obligations.

Data sharing

Your data will not be shared with third parties outside NHS Scotland unless:

required by law
you provide explicit consent

Data retention

Your personal data will be retained for no longer than 3 years from the date of your last engagement with the staff network, unless:

you withdraw your consent earlier
continued retention is required for legal or audit purposes

After this period, your data will be securely deleted or anonymised.

Your rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

access your data
request correction of inaccurate data
withdraw consent at any time
request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)

To exercise your rights:

email nhsh.editeam@nhs.scot

Data security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse, in line with NHS Scotland’s data protection policies.

Armed Forces and Veterans Network

Our Armed Forces and Veterans Network provides a supportive space for our staff to share their lived experiences, recognising and honouring the valuable contribution they make daily. It is open to all veterans, reservists, and service and veteran family members. Staff who have an interest in supporting the Armed Forces and Veterans community are also very welcome.

NHS Highland uses the MOD's definition of a veteran:

A veteran is anyone who has served one full day in His Majesty’s Armed Forces, both Regular and Reserve, and Merchant Naval Seafarers, who have been deployed as part of a legally recognised UK military deployment.

Aims of the network

This will be done by embracing the unique skillset of our veterans, reservists and families as an enabler to enhance career development and adding value within NHS Highland:

creating the conditions by fostering a supportive community to enable personal and professional growth
working with other Armed Forces and Veterans networks and Health Boards across Scotland to better coordinate and collaborate on national issues

How to join

Fill out this registration form or:

email nhsh.armedforceschampion@nhs.scot

Unpaid Carers Network

Our Unpaid Carers Network provides a supportive space for staff members who are unpaid carers, offering an opportunity to share experiences, gain advice, and connect with colleagues who understand the challenges of balancing work and caring responsibilities. We value the important contribution unpaid carers make every day.

Find out more about the support available in the NHS Highland area.

Check out our intranet page (staff login required) to get updates on what’s going on.

NHS Highland is an Established Carer Positive Employer in Scotland.

Aims of the network

Peer support and community - to provide a safe and supportive environment where staff who are unpaid carers can connect with others, share experiences, and feel part of a community that understands their journey.
Signposting to resources and support - to ensure that carers have easy access to the information, resources and support services they need to manage their caring responsibilities alongside their work.
Influencing NHS policies and practices - to contribute to the development of policies and practices that better support unpaid carers, ensuring that their needs are considered in organisational decision-making.
Shaping an inclusive workplace - to help create a workplace culture that is inclusive, fair and understanding of the challenges unpaid carers face, ensuring that all staff have the support they need to succeed.

Not sure if you are an unpaid carer?

Take our quiz to find out if you may be an unpaid carer.

How to join

Fill out the registration form or:

email nhsh.unpaidcarers@nhs.scot

LGBT+ Network

NHS Highland are committed to ensuring that our LGBT+ staff, patients, service users and volunteers feel empowered, visible, safe, and proud to be themselves.

Membership of the network is primarily aimed at NHS Highland employees who identify as LGBT+. However, those who identify as allies or have a positive interest in LGBT+ matters are also welcome to join the membership and attend associated events.

Aims of the network

create visibility for LGBT+ people within our organisation
support visibility for LGBT+ people outwith our organisation
support grassroot initiatives such as local Pride events and socials
act as a point of contact, as well as signposting to external groups and agencies
actively engage and be involved in policy development, for both staff and patients within NHS Highland, by sharing our own knowledge and experience
make ourselves as accessible as possible through a combination of meetings, activities, events and social media presence, as well as the Microsoft Teams channel
provide networking opportunities with other forums and groups

How to join

Fill out the registration form or:

email nhsh.nhshlgbtplusstaffnetwork@nhs.scot

Young Persons Network

Our Young Persons Network aims to empower and unite young people across NHS Highland. A network that can create an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of young people across NHS Highland, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.

It will provide a safe environment for young people to connect and share their experiences, ideas and enhance their development and the future of their NHS careers.

We want to ensure those starting their career journey are supported to adapt to the work environment. A dedicated network will help you navigate these challenges and/or share best practice.

We want to hear from our young people to inform future development needs within our workforce, and learn how we can do things differently to support our workforce of the future.

Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can drive improvements in services and culture. A network allows these voices to be heard, and can encourage creative problem solving that may have been overlooked previously.

Who is the network for?

For those between the ages of 16 and 24 - whether a school leaver, apprentice, in work experience or full-time employment. A person new to the NHS, or in the organisation for several years.

Aims of the network

create an inclusive, supportive community for young people within NHS Highland
answer any potential questions or worries about coming to work for the NHS
provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, skill-building and leadership
amplify the voices of young individuals, inspire positive change and contribute to the continuous improvement of services, ensuring that the next generation of our workforce thrives
understand and discuss the pressures of being a young person within NHS Highland

How to join

Fill out the registration form or:

email nhsh.editeam@nhs.scot

Staff networks

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