National Day for Staff Networks
Posted on Monday 11 May 2026
Our social groups and networks for staff can influence University policy and create change, as well as supporting you and helping you feel part of your community.
Some networks coordinate in-person events and activities while others are informal online social communities within the University’s Slack workspace.
The National Day for Staff Networks is a celebration of employee networks across sectors. It takes place on Wednesday 13 May.
This year’s theme of #UnitingForEquity focuses on collective action: bringing together staff networks and leaders to challenge inequality, amplify diverse voices and create meaningful, lasting change.
At York our staff networks include:
- Race Equality Forum, which promotes our University values of equality and inclusion, alongside providing networking opportunities, support and development for Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff.
- INCLUDE, an inclusive network for all staff with a disability, long-term medical condition or neurodivergent condition, whether you identify as disabled or not. The network raises awareness, shares good practice and works to improve the experience of staff.
- Rainbow Alliance, a social and support network for all staff, committed to an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes equality for all.
- Women in Research Network, a space for women to discuss the particular issues they experience in the research domain.
- Men's Health Network, an initiative to improve men’s health through sessions where men can take part in activities and support each other.
- Sustainability Networks, environmental groups and networks for you to get involved with sustainability initiatives.
On Slack, you can find groups that celebrate nature (#yor-plants and #wildlifeofuoy), share pet photos (#yorpaws, #catsofuoy), chat about health and wellbeing (#staff-mental-health-wellbeing-networking, #menopause-staff-chat) and share #local-information.
You can browse or create a channel by clicking ‘Directories’ and then ‘Channels’ from your Slack sidebar.