Staff Networks
The University welcomes and supports the development of staff networks. Our staff networks provide an opportunity for staff who share a protected characteristic to network, obtain peer support and share information. They can also offer opportunities for staff to inform university policy on equality-related issues and topics. The networks are run by and for the members, with support from the University EDI Manager.
The University has five staff network groups (detailed below). The networks are always looking for new members, input and ideas, so please take a look at the terms of reference and contact the Chair if you have any questions.
Our Commitment to Staff Networks:
The University commitment to Staff Networks encourages managers to support members to attend network meetings and events during their working hours where business needs allow. This is part of valuing the crucial contribution of our staff networks and their important role in supporting the University to achieve the goals outlined in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Framework 2020-2025.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer, and Intersex + (LGBTQI+) Staff Network
Welcome to the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans*, Queer and Intersex + (LGBTQI+) Staff Network.
The University of Huddersfield’s LGBTQI+ Staff Network was set up as a self-organising group in April 2018. The Network discussed and self-defined their name, with the acronym LGBTQI+, incorporating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer, and Intersex.
LGBTQI+ Staff Network Terms of Reference
To find out more about this network including future meeting dates, please contact Carson McCombe (Chair)
Race Equity Staff Network
Welcome to the University of Huddersfield's Race Equity Staff Network. The network was originally launched in 2018 as the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network. In 2025, following staff feedback during South Asian Heritage Month 2024 and Black History Month 2024, the network relaunched as the Race Equity Staff Network, with two new affinity groups.
Race Equity Staff Network Terms of Reference
To find out more about the Race Equity Staff Network including future meeting dates, please email the EDI team or, if you would like to join, sign up to the Race Equity Network or any of the Affinity Groups here.
Black Staff Affinity Group
Launching in January 2025, the Black Staff Affinity Group provides a specific space where colleagues can connect, engage, collaborate, and build professional and personal connections, and in turn inform and support the University's EDI priorities and initiatives.
To find out more about this group including future meeting dates, please contact Adeola Adebisi or Precious Adade Duodu (Co-Chairs).
Asian Staff Affinity Group
Launching in January 2025, the Asian Staff Affinity Group provides a specific space where colleagues can connect, engage, collaborate, and build professional and personal connections, and in turn inform and support the University's EDI priorities and initiatives.
To find out more about this group including future meeting dates, please contact Bibha Simkhada or Rajeeb Kumar Sah (Co-Chairs).
Staff Disability Network
The Staff Disability Network was formed in October 2018 with the aim to provide a voice within the University for disability equality. Members come from across the University and from a variety of roles and the network is always looking for new members and ideas. Please take a look at the terms of reference and contact the Chair if you are interested in joining or would like to find out a bit more about the network, including future meeting dates.
Staff Disability Network Terms of Reference
To find out more about this network including future meeting dates, please contact Georgia Vine (Chair) or the EDI Team or, If you would like to join, sign up to the Staff Disability Network here.
Neurodiversity Staff Group
In July 2023, we launched a Neurodiversity Staff Group as a branch of the Staff Disability Network for staff members who are, or think they may be neurodivergent (e.g. Specific Learning Differences (Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia), AD(H)D and Autism Spectrum Conditions). The group aims to provide a safe space to connect, explore shared experiences, and discuss supportive strategies and approaches.
The Neurodiversity Group is Co-Chaired by Simon Kelly and Erika Montgomery.
If you would like to join, sign up to the Neurodiversity Staff Group here..
Women’s Staff Network
Welcome to the University of Huddersfield’s Women’s Staff Network. Formed in April 2019, the aim of the network is to to create and maintain a supportive, aspirational and motivational space for people who identify as a woman.
Meetings will be held a minimum of three times per year with communication taking place through a dedicated space on Microsoft Teams.
Women's Staff Network Terms of Reference
To find out more about this network including future meeting dates, please contact Iona Murphy (Chair) or, if you would like to join, sign up to the Women's Staff Network here.
Inclusive Allies Staff Network
Welcome to the University of Huddersfield’s Inclusive Allies Staff Network.
The Inclusive Allies Staff Network provides a collaborative space, capturing the voices of those with intersectional lived experiences and allies across all schools and services across the University. The network will meet to discuss and shape the University's EDI programme of events, including recommendations for guest speakers and external resources.
Inclusive Allies Network Terms of Reference
To find out more about this network including future meeting dates, please contact Anna Gamble (Chair) or, if you would like to join, sign up to the Inclusive Allies Network here.
