Staff race network – Terms of Reference  

About  

The network is a community for those who identify as being from an ethnically minoritised community and/or anyone truly committed to racial equality and equity.   

Mission Statement  

The network will:  

• Provide a voice for ethnically minoritised colleagues, translating discussions into tangible actions to improve their experience.  

• Work constructively and provide positive challenge to influence policy and practice and engender cultural change and anti-racism within the University. 

Terms of Reference  

To create a sense of belonging by providing a safe forum to network, socialise, share lived experiences, question, challenge and receive support and advice in relation to race equality and equity. 

1. To promote anti-racism, raise awareness of race inequalities and equity issues in the University and build a network of those with an interest in anti-racist practice. 

1. To work collaboratively with the Race Equality Steering Group, Academic Development and Inclusivity, EEDI team, EDI Champions and other staff networks. Collaborate and network with broader national staff networks.  

1. Oversee and promote the development of the network and the delivery of events and workshops to support the members. Identify and address the barriers to staff not attending the events/workshops/meetings. 

1. To support ethnically minoritised colleagues with race related challenges they face in their employment with the University, signposting to available support where appropriate. 

Membership  

The network will have a committee to support the co-chairs in their role.  Ideally the network should compose of members that represent all university staff groups of all grades and all areas of the institution.  

Frequency of Meetings  

Meetings for members will be held monthly for both ethnically minoritised colleagues and white allies. The first hour will be a joint meeting and the last hour will be for ethnically minoritised members only.  

Decision Making Process  

• All decisions to be made by committee consensus.   

• Where appropriate, the committee will seek wider participation from the network for major decisions (for example major changes such as re-naming the network) which may include surveys or polls.   

•  Committee may seek advice and guidance from specialised teams such as HROD and Academic Development and Inclusion.  

• Where there isn’t consensus by the committee members, then the co-chairs will make the final decisions. 

Confidentiality  

• At no point is anyone under any obligation to declare any information about themselves that they do not wish to share. 

• The network will operate a safe space approach to meetings and treat all network members with dignity and respect. 

• Attendance will not be recorded for meetings and events. 

Ground Rules  

• Honour confidentiality. Members will not share anything other members have said outside of the network without prior consent.  

• Anyone who is truly committed to the mission and aims of the network is welcome to attend.  

• Respect other people’s experiences, concerns and suggestions and be mindful of the impact of what we say.  

• Hold members accountable for their actions. We expect all members to be professional and expect staff to follow the University’s code of behaviour.   

• We know that talking about our personal experiences or hearing the experience of others can be traumatic. We encourage members to practice self-care and seek support when required.