It was a real privilege to represent three University of Manchester staff networks at Staff Network Day – Women@Manchester, as a core committee member; the Dharmic Cultures Network, as a core committee member; and the Vegan+ Staff Network, as co-chair. The day was a lovely reminder of how powerful our staff networks are in bringing colleagues together from across different parts of the University. I had some brilliant conversations with colleagues who were keen to learn more about the networks, share their own experiences, and understand how they, their families, friends or colleagues could connect with the work we do.

I am sharing my lived experience in this blog for a few reasons. One is my role on the Directorate of Research and Business Engagement EDI Committee, where local committees and staff networks play an important part in shaping our everyday working culture. Another comes from my work as a Communications and Engagement Coordinator supporting the Research Platforms, where bringing people together is both part of the role and something I genuinely value. I am motivated by people, their stories, and the connections that help large institutions feel smaller, more human, and more humane.