Inclusive Employers Related resources
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Staff Networks and Terms of Reference
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Global staff networks
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Inclusion strategy templates
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Global inclusion strategy – a foundational guide
What is the day about?
National Day for Staff Networks is an event dedicated to celebrating and recognising the value of staff networks and employee resource groups.
A staff network is a group of colleagues, often with a shared heritage, experience, or characteristic. Through the network, they come together to support each other and support the organisation to promote inclusion. They may also be called Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Business Resource Groups (BRGs), Workplace Equality Networks (WENs), or Affinity Groups.
This awareness day for staff networks is a good opportunity for employers to show their commitment to inclusion and employee well-being through training, raising awareness about the positive impact of the networks or providing resources for colleagues who may want to start a staff network. Read the How to take part section of this page to learn more about how to get involved.
When is this day taking place?
National Day for Staff Networks has historically taken place on the second Wednesday in May. In 2026 it will be celebrated on Wednesday 13 May.
The theme for the 2026 event will be #MakingWorkBetter.
Why was this day created?
National Day for Staff Networks was founded by Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, the author of The Power of Staff Networks. She created this day because she believes staff networks have a positive impact on individual employees and the organisation.
Many employers would agree with Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE. For example, The NHS witnessed a surge in the number of staff joining staff networks across the health and social care sector during 2020/21. These networks were often initiated to connect people around their ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith or religion, or disability.
However, these networks were also critical in supporting and protecting staff against the impact of stress, anxiety and isolation triggered by the pandemic and lockdown. The NHS Staff Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group (EDIG)’s research found that the top five main areas of focus for staff networks in the NHS were:
- Being a safe space to raise concerns.
- The experience of staff at work and analysis of data.
- Action planning.
- Peer support.
- Disseminating best practice.
Staff networks can be an important and valuable resource for fostering inclusive environments, supporting and developing teams and overcoming workplace challenges.
Facts you should know
Here are a few quick National Day for Staff Networks facts to know:
- Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE founded the day.
- Cherron has written a book about the power of staff networks, which provide tips on how to start one.
- The campaign started in May 2017.
How to recognise this day in the workplace
There are numerous ways to commemorate National Day for Staff Networks in the workplace, including:
- Equipping your staff networks to thrive by signing them up for the Staff Network Academy programme.
- Downloading the Staff Networks and Terms of Reference guide by Inclusive Employers. Our members can download this resource for free.
- Downloading the Global Staff Networks guide by Inclusive Employers. Our members can download this resource for free.
- Listening to and sharing our podcast about Raising up the Staff Voice through the Power of Staff Networks, hosted in partnership with NHS Employers.
- Reading and sharing our blog on how to set up a staff network.
Next steps for equipping your staff networks
If your organisation would like more support to help your staff networks make positive and impactful changes in your organisation, please complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you.
If you are not ready to enquire but would like to stay in touch, please click the link on the right to subscribe to our Inclusion Insights, a monthly update and our latest news.