Spotlight on: Religion and belief within our Staff Network Groups

14 Apr 2022

In April Ramadan, Easter, and Passover are observed by different staff groups – giving us an opportunity look at how our Staff Network Groups support people of faith

Whether you have observed a religious holiday in April or are a person of no faith, our Staff Network Groups celebrate diversity and continue to evolve their support for people of all and no religions.

Currently under the Staff Network Group umbrella we have three groups which encompass religion and belief:

• Catholic Staff Network
• Christian Staff Network
• Muslim Staff Network

Our other Staff Network Groups continue to strive for intersectionality with activities and support which look at religion and belief.  Our BAME STAFF Network Group continues to organise activities for Islamophobia Awareness Month. Our LGBT+ Staff Network group ALLOUT  launched last year a closed Yammer Group for LGBT+ people with a belief, and the Chaplaincy at St Peter’s House welcomes everyone from all equality and belief groups.

Our Staff Network Groups

On Wednesday, 11 May we will participate in National Staff Network Groups Day. To celebrate the day, Staff Network Groups will be coming together on campus to host stalls and share their best practice. Stay tuned to StaffNet for more information on who will be in attendance and where this will be hosted!

There are currently 20 groups under the Staff Network Group umbrella and there is something that everyone can be involved with – each network is open to any member of staff – maybe you identify directly with the group, or maybe you want to learn more to be able to support a friend, family member or colleague. Network groups are also a fantastic way to gain new skills, can contribute to personal development in areas that may not be accessible in your day job, and are a way to make important and long-lasting connections across our University.  They form an important part of our University’s strategic plan and are core to Our People/Our Values.

The groups also have an official EDI forum where they can feed up suggestions, issues and contributions to the EDI Committee .

• Take a look at the range of groups on offer and see how you can be involved.

Further resources, information and reading are available at:

• List of recognised chaplains
• St Peter's Chaplaincy
• Manchester Universities Catholic Chaplaincy
• Faith information for students
• The latest Equality Information Report – including response rates to colleagues' religions