Celebrating One Year of Wellbeing and Inclusion: The Sport & Social Network (SSN) at DCMS

The Sport & Social Network (SSN) serves as the overarching entity for sporting and social activities within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, offering a valuable resource that extends beyond the mere promotion of physical fitness. It nurtures a sense of community, wellbeing, and inclusion among its dedicated staff. As the SSN commemorates 2023, it is an opportune moment to explore its origins, goals, recent events, and future plans.

A Brief History

The SSN has been a fixture in DCMS for over two decades, initially established as the Sports and Social Club. However, in 2018, recognising the need to align with broader ambitions of equality, diversity, and inclusion, the SSN integrated with wider staff network structures. With over 20 years of existence and 11 years under its current chair, the SSN has evolved into a dynamic force within DCMS. The SSN's funding primarily comes from CSSC Sport and Leisure, a charity that, for over 100 years, has provided excellent opportunities for its members and invested in organisations like the SSN across the Public Sector, enabling them to support sporting and social activities outside the departmental budget.

Mandate and Objectives

The primary mission of the SSN is to champion the promotion of wellbeing, diversity, and equality through various activities across DCMS. Key goals include:

• Supporting new and existing sport and social activities in the department through advice, promotion, and financial support as required.
• Being open to new ideas by encouraging colleagues across the department to develop activities.
• Delivering key set-piece events, such as staff awards and sports day.
• Supporting diversity and inclusion across DCMS through our activities.
• Promoting membership of the Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) and activities offered by them to members.

Inclusive Initiatives in 2023

In 2023, the SSN organised "Get Together, Get Active Week," aiming to encourage staff participation in sports and social activities. Notably, the SSN took a proactive approach to inclusivity, ensuring that all colleagues, regardless of ability, could participate. A charity step challenge, featuring a diverse range of activities convertible into virtual "steps", highlighted the network's commitment to accessibility. The SSN also collaborated with the Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) to reintroduce a sport and wellbeing day, emphasising mixed events and fostering a sense of community across departments.

Looking Forward: Future Plans for the SSN

As the SSN charts its course into 2024, plans are underway to develop a comprehensive strategy. The network aspires to create a women's football programme, fostering healthy competition across departments. Discussions about reviving the social softball league and expanding collaborative opportunities with other staff networks are also in progress. Recent departmental changes prompted a re-evaluation, offering an opportunity to regrow the committee with a diverse range of voices. The SSN aims to continue supporting the central department's efforts to create an inclusive environment for staff returning to the office and embracing hybrid working.

In the spirit of collaboration, the SSN seeks to build stronger ties with other staff networks, offering joint opportunities throughout the year. Past engagements, such as supporting events for Black History Month and organising a Goalball event for Visual Impairment Awareness Day, demonstrates the network's commitment to fostering a workplace where all staff feel seen and included.

As the SSN reflects on 2023, it stands as a testament to the power of community-building within a government department. By promoting physical and mental wellbeing, embracing diversity, and fostering a sense of camaraderie, the Sport & Social Network at DCMS is not just an organisation; it's a cornerstone of a thriving workplace culture.