Staff Disability Network
The Staff Disability Network fosters connection and advocacy. We aim to raise awareness and amplify diverse voices within the UoS community.
We began in 2017 and are the longest running staff network at the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë. The Staff Disability Network seeks to raise awareness across campus with events throughout the year. The Chair of the Network regularly engages with university senior management representing for disabled staff and is a member of several committees and groups advocating for positive change. The Network is a community which meets both online and on-campus.
Structure of the Network:
The network co-chairs collaborate closely to support the network's mission of fostering connection and inclusion throughout the university.
Equity and Advocacy Co-Chair – Chloe Ilsley
This position focuses on championing equitable and accessible practices and amplifying underrepresented voices, and ensuring that the perspectives of staff with disabilities are reflected in institutional decision-making. The Co-Chair contributes to policy discussions and working with the EDI team and senior management of the University.
Communications Co-Chair - Angelina Kinsey-Cummins
"I'm Angie, the new Communications Co-Chair. I'm thrilled to join the team and contribute to our network's efforts. I'm passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff. I look forward to working with you and hearing your ideas on how we can continue to improve our workplace culture.
A little more about me: I studied at the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë and have worked in private companies before returning here in 2013 to work in finance. I am passionate about equality, and it is an honour to be a Co-Chair on this committee."
Network Treasurer - Naomi Harris
This position focuses on the financial acivities of the Staff Disability Network, ensuring resources are used effectively and transparently. This role supports budgeting, funding applications, and financial planning in alignment with the network's goals.
Activities:
- The Equity and Advocacy Co-Chair is a member of the Disability, Equality and Inclusion Steering Group advocating for staff with disabilities with key decision-makers at the University.
- The network is proudly a member of the improving workplace adjustments working group contributing to updating the workplace adjustment toolkit and webpages with fellow EDI, HR, Finance and H&S colleagues.
- Network members are invited to regular meet-ups where you can meet other members over coffee - there is also an online version!
- We host self-development workshops. Previous workshops have been in association with the and . We are currently arranging a public speaking workshop, if this is something you'd be interested in, please email us.
Why join the network?
“I joined because I was having difficulty navigating the policies and systems to access what I needed to do my job. I found it helpful to know other people were in a similar situation. And I find it encouraging to know these things are taken forward and addressed.” SDN member, Maria
“I would encourage others to join the Staff Disabled Network as it has been a really valuable experience for me during my time working at Sussex. The Network is made up of lots of really welcoming and kind people, who have similar experiences to me, and have offered support and advice around lots of different topics. I have learnt a lot from my fellow Disabled colleagues and I always enjoy attending events – whether online or in person – that the Network facilitates.” SDN member, Grace
"I joined because I wanted to feel less alone as disabled at the university and to get (and offer) some peer support. I love that there is always someone on the Teams channel to read you post and/or comment. Being part of this network empowered me and brought so much more feeling of belonging to this institution than I had before. Truly invaluable! " SDN member, Sophie
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 disclose 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.
If you would like further information, you can contact the Co-Chairs of the network by emailing: staffdisabilitynetwork@sussex.ac.uk
You can find more information and links to useful resources on the disability equality and inclusion pages.
