‘A Network for Change and Celebration’
The People of Colour Network at Inspire North
‘A Network for Change and Celebration’
What is the People of Colour network?
A safe space for all colleagues who self-identify as a person of colour to come together, gain support, share experiences and act as a place of reference for colleagues. The aim of the network is to create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all colleagues and volunteers.
The network is twofold, providing professional development advice and support in the workplace but also acting as a space in which colleagues can express their feelings and thoughts openly.
What does the network do?
The network provides all people of colour the opportunity to get to know each other and feel part of a community, creating a space to share information and discussions around race.
The network contributes to Inspire North’s aim to being an Anti-Racist organisation by recognising where support or changes are needed and working together across the organisation to action these changes. The network operates through consulting in meetings and offering support and ideas. The consultation process ensures that initiatives are being organised and ran in an appropriate manner and time frame, avoiding miscommunication.
A key part of the network is taking the time to celebrate colleagues’ achievements but to also acknowledge how far we have come as an organisation.
Why is it important to have a network?
The network provides a sense of belonging for those who feel underrepresented; joining the network is joining a community where everyone is valued, and individuality is celebrated.
It provides colleagues with the opportunity to have a voice and for that voice to be acknowledged and respected. The network encourages colleagues to speak out on the topics that matter to them.
The network brings together colleagues from across the entire Inspire North group. Everyone is welcomed no matter what job role or service they are from. This range of expertise offers innovative ideas and allows services across the group to work together on the issues that matter to them.
The network held an event last year to discuss progress the network has made, what can be improved and what members would like to gain from being involved. There was food, guest speakers and even a chance for some aromatherapy. It was a day of connecting and sharing and highlighted the significance of having a space to feel represented, valued and heard.
What is next for the network?
We are creating our roadmap and looking at gaining new members. New voices and new perspectives can help us learn more and understand what changes need to be made but also celebrate the things we have put in place that are working. We continue to meet quarterly and in September we had our first face-to-face meeting since before the pandemic! It was great to see everyone in person and be in one room together.