We do our best work for children around the world when our employees are welcomed and included. Our Employee Network Groups play a critical role in helping us to create a culture of inclusion for all.
Not only are they are a great way to raise awareness and understanding across the wider organisation, they also provide a way for employees with shared interests, cultures, identities and backgrounds to network, collaborate and use their unique expertise and perspective to enhance the work environment and positively impact the organisation.
Here’s what some of our employees have had to say about our Employee Network Groups include:
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Black, Asian & Minority Ethnics (BAME) Network
“It is a real pleasure to be a Chair of the BAME Network, and work with staff to ensure we continue the hard work of our founding members. We firmly believe if charities cannot be inclusive, then who can? And use this mantra to continue to push for equality for all staff, irrespective of their background”
Thaiba Akhter, UN Account Manager (and Chair of the BAME Network)
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Disabilities Equalities Network
“The work the whole Network has been involved in has really made people with disabilities more visible within Save the Children UK and hearing messages from others in the organisation who have shared their experiences, is really humbling and inspiring.
So much work has been done in changing and informing policies: from connecting with Save he Children International to support children with disabilities and their family, and the growth in the Network's membership and engagement, and all of this just shows how brilliant being part of the Network can be. Plus, we're super supportive of one another, which is brilliant connection to have when you're struggling with anything.”
Lucy Hall, MEAL Programme Officer Humanitarian Capacity Building
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LGBT+ Allies Network
“This wasn't my first Pride, but it was certainly the proudest I have ever felt to be marching. With staff from across every division of Save the Children UK, and with colleagues from Save the Children International, we had rainbow Charlie Brown branded t-shirts emblazoned with the words 'Proud to Stand with Every Child'.
I'm confident in saying that every single one of us felt that pride as we danced, marched, cheer-led and generally made a huge spectacle of ourselves along the parade route for our organisation!”
Rebecca McDowell, Change Project Manager
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Parents & Carers Network
“I joined the parents and carers networking within a month of joining Save the Children. It felt really important to me that as I settled in to a new organisation and work priorities, I also had a space to share and learn from others about how I could fit my role around being a carer.
Being able to hear from others about how they have managed similar transitions, and being able to contribute my opinions on relevant internal policies means that I feel like I'm taking an active part in the organisation, and hopefully contributing to a more inclusive environment for all.”
Kate Oliver, Senior Education Adviser
“Coming back from maternity leave felt really daunting, and I had such a mix of emotions being apart from my baby. The parents’ and carers network was so helpful and supportive for the transition back to work. Just having a chat with other parents and carers, and realising that everyone is in the same boat and going through the same challenges was reassuring.
We also had a lot of laughs about the funny things that our kids were doing! On a serious note, the parents and carers network is really important to enable this group of people with specific issues and challenges to be able to feed into key policy decisions that affect them, and make sure they work for them. We also have representation from Senior leaders and regular time with the CEO to discuss pressing issues, which makes us feel listened to and valued as parents and carers.”
Anita Pathak, UK Government Partnerships Manager
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Environmental Network
“The Environmental Staff Network gives me an opportunity for meeting people from across the organisation who work in different disciplines, hearing innovative ideas from a range of people, getting creative about the climate crisis, the range of activities from the smaller everyday actions to real organisational level changes.”
Ellie Dumper, Organisational Reporting Manager
“I joined the network because I’m passionate about climate change and the impact its having on children. I love learning from others and sharing the tips, swaps and changes I make.”
Dionysia Navarro, Senior New Business Manager