Proposal for a National Super-Network/Association of Disabled Staff Networks in HE and FE by Hamied A Haroon This was launched in the session/workshop on Disabled Staff Networks at the “What Are We Hiding?” National Conference on 6 th June 2014 at The University of Manchester

What? An umbrella organisation that brings together Disabled Staff Networks, Groups and Fora at Higher and Further Education Institutions across the UK A collective platform to share experiences and good practice, and to examine challenges and opportunities Promote disability equality and campaign for the interests of disabled staff on a national level Promote a positive image of hardworking and philanthropic disabled people Change the common concept of what makes a person “disabled”, i.e. you don’t have to be wheelchair-bound to be disabled! Highlighting people whose disabilities are “hidden”, such as mental health conditions, learning differences, HIV, etc

What? Organise and deliver activities and events, etc, on a regular basis that can bring disabled staff together Commission research projects, policies and guidance for disabled staff, their managers, H&FEIs and Government agencies Introduce opportunities for disabled staff to develop personally and professionally, centred on disability as a strength Identify high-profile disabled staff at HEIs and FEIs as role models Link with disabled students

How? Supported by the Equality Challenge Unit, and possibly NADP Membership open to Disabled Staff Networks/Groups/Fora at HEIs and FEIs across the country Individual disabled staff would not become members – they should encourage their DSN to join! Affiliation with organisations, agencies and individuals in the public, private, voluntary and social sectors relevant to disabled staff (e.g etc) Communication and contact via a distribution list (using e.g. JISCMail) containing addresses of the DSN Chairs, Disability Support and E&D Practitioners of the member organisations, along with those of affiliated people and bodies

How? Led by an Executive Committee made up of the Chairs of the member Disabled Staff Networks and selected affiliates, with one or more Directors, that meets at least annually A central internet site filled with relevant information, documents, blogs and links Hold meetings and events online (webinars using e.g. Adobe Connect), and maintain a bank of online information/training films, videos, documents and other resources, all in accessible formats Attract sponsors and hosts for occasional conferences and special-interest meetings open to all disabled staff and/or their managers to attend Create Local Hubs, such as a Greater Manchester Hub, to make it easier for people to physically meet up and to work together on issues specific to their region/area Each local Hub led by a Local Executive Committee made up of local DSN Chairs, with a Hub Director

Suggestions? Hamied met with Chris Brill, Deb Viney and Nicki Martin in London on 8 th May 2014 They suggested: – a Steering Group to get things going, formed by people from a mixture of different organisations (inc UCU), starting with: Anna, Deb, Chris, Elaine, Hamied, Nicki – Making it a business or a wing of NADP – Creating a dedicated JISCMAIL list – Allowing individuals as well as institutions to become members initially – Having clear Terms of Reference – Catering for different HE and FE groupings (e.g. Russell Group, University Alliance, etc)

Over to you … What do you think? If you would like to: – Be on the Steering Group – Get involved in developing this proposal – Join this Super-Network/Association – Offer any suggestions  please contact Hamied on