Staff Networks at NHS National Services Scotland

NSS welcomes and supports the establishment of the Equality Staff Networks and has opened up the networks to colleagues in the Scottish Ambulance Service, Health Improvement Scotland and NHS Health Scotland who share the same office premises at Gyle Square.

Staff networks are led and run by staff for staff and bring together people from different professions, departments and business areas that identify with the network or want to support or contribute in some way to the work of the network. Staff networks fulfil various functions including providing opportunities for social interaction, networking, peer support and personal development.

Staff networks can also contribute to the development of policies and working practices and the promotion of best practice. The networks offer staff an informal environment for generating and sharing views, experiences and new ideas and assist NSS in promoting the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda.

NSS will support these networks by:

• Providing support or assistance to 'set up' the network if required
• Providing a senior sponsor for the networks if required
• Promoting the networks to new and existing employees
• Listening constructively to any employee concerns raised through the staff networks

Taking part in initiatives developed by the staff networks Active Networks: There are currently two active networks, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI+) Staff Network (NHS Together) and the (dis)Ability Staff Network.

NSS is in the process of assessing the potential for developing further staff networks, focused on other specific protected characteristics. The Rainbow flag a symbol of LGBT equality was raised for the first time in February 2017 at Gyle square in recognition of LGBT History month.