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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 us to achieve our goals outlined in the Inclusive Sussex strategy.   

About the network

The Staff Disability Network is for Sussex staff who self-identify as having a disability. The network hosts termly drop-ins, offers email support and a Teams channel for peer-to-peer connection.

The network seeks to raise awareness across campus with events and advocacy within decision-making and policy change. They began in 2017 and are the longest running staff network at the Â鶹´«Ã½ÉçÇøÈë¿Ú.

The co-chair of the network, Chloe Ilsley, has recently welcomed Angelina Kinsey-Cummins as new joint co-chair to support the running of the annual programme of member-only and university-wide events.

From the new Co-Chair: “I am thrilled to join the Staff Disability Network as co-chair. My motivation to get involved stems from a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all staff members. So far, my experience has been incredibly rewarding, as I've had the opportunity to connect with passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact. I look forward to working collaboratively to enhance our network's reach and influence, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can drive meaningful change and support the goals outlined in the Inclusive Sussex strategy.”

The co-chairs attend termly committees, working groups and shares anonymous feedback via various mechanisms to change makers across the university to advocate for positive change.

We host self-development workshops, including enriching and thought-provoking events centred around themes which are important to our network with a greater aim to raise awareness to the wider community of Â鶹´«Ã½ÉçÇøÈë¿Ú staff.

Network activities throughout the year include:

• The Network co-chairs are active members of the Disability Equality and Inclusion Steering Group – advocating for disabled staff with key decision-makers at the university.
• We are an active member of the improving Workplace Adjustments Working Group.
• We host regular network meet-ups where you can meet other members and grab a coffee with us at ACCA Cafe. We also offer an online version!

How to join:

Please email staffdisabilitynetwork@sussex.ac.uk with your request to join. The network is open to anyone who self-identifies as having a disability. There is no obligation to share your disability upon joining and some members like to share with others during our events. This is why we run our events with the Chatham House rule.

Members are invited to the exclusive Staff Disability Network Teams Channel and will be invited to a range of in-person activities throughout the year.

You can find more information and links to useful resources on the disability equality and inclusion pages.

Staff Networks

Find out more about the staff networks you can join. This includes the LGBTQ+, Ethnic Minority, Trans and Non-Binary, Disability, Parent and Carer and Neurodiversity staff networks.