Staff networks

The Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Network, known as the REACH Network, is a space to connect and build a sense of community and belonging among Black, Asian, ethnic minority colleagues. This involves creating a psychologically safe environment that all colleagues in the charity will benefit from, by raising awareness of the advantages of diversity and sharing lived experiences.?This Network aims to help centre the voices of marginalised groups within the DofE, to inform policies and contribute to the inclusive element of the strategy by drawing on experiences and expertise of both colleagues, and external collaborators.

The Inclusivity Network is open to all staff and is a space for staff with a chronic illness, staff with a disability, staff who are carers of someone with a disability and staff with a neurodivergence to meet to discuss shared experiences, raise awareness and work to inform future policies and practice within the DofE. This Network aims to ensure that everyone has a space to feel welcome, acknowledged and able to bring their authentic selves to work. They open a forum for discussion, learning and support around the topics of disability, neurodiversity and chronic conditions.

The Women’s Network provides a safe space for staff who self-identify as women to come together, share experiences and support each other, while fostering a sense of belonging within the DofE. By encouraging open dialogue and collaboration, the Women’s Network aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity. This Network aims to be a vibrant community dedicated to uplifting and championing the voices of women in the DofE.

The Parents and Carers Network is open to all staff and is a supportive space for staff with any level of caring responsibilities, for children and/or adults. This Network offers encouragement and support, raises awareness, and informs future policy in the DofE. The aim of the Parents and Carers Network is to have a supportive space where members feel connected with each other.

The LGBTQ+ Network creates a supportive, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies, this Network allows colleagues to share and express their identities and to meet like-minded people. They hope to influence the EDI strategy, stakeholders and the communities they work with to ensure that staff are represented, but also to empower the youth. By working with one another to address how race, gender, sexuality, and disability intersect, they ensure that voices of staff are heard and the DofE continues to be an inclusive and equitable space.

The Men’s Network is an open, reflective, and inclusive space for all those who identify as male, from all backgrounds. The Network discuss challenges faced such as those around mental health, understand and dismantle negative themes such as toxic masculinity, and work to become better people. In future, this Network hopes for a membership which is engaged, inclusive, and working to better themselves through collaboration for a more positive work-life experience.