Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network Group

The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network Group is a vibrant forum to exchange views and help provide an authoritative voice for staff within the University and its associated group of companies.

We have been instrumental in helping the University to shape the direction of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy within the University.

We believe that any network group depends on social as well as professional interaction, so you will be pleased to know that we also organise (fairly) regular social events.

Aims of the group

• Promote race equality through active involvement and consultation on the University's strategy, policies and guidance on race equality.
• Monitor and assess the effective implementation of actions created in relation to the Race Equality Charter Mark.
• Campaign and lobby on race equality by preparing submissions to public consultations, public forums and University governing bodies.
• Work closely with other units or centres including the Equality and Diversity Unit and organisations which campaign for race equality in and across the University, such as the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Centre, the University Students' Union and the Campus Trade Unions.
• Provide the opportunity to connect and share experiences about working at the University.
• Provide support, guidance and signposting where appropriate, including development opportunities.

The full remit of the group can be seen in our Terms of Reference.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network Election -

Co-Chair Opportunities

Our university is proud to have several different staff network groups – one of which is the Black, Asian Minority and Ethnic (BAME) staff network group. Staff Network Groups are important to the University as members and Co-Chairs provide:

• Valued insights into the experiences of our staff across the Institution
• A community for people to come together with the shared aim of progressing race equality at the University.
• A voice for colleagues to raise concerns with senior leaders.
• Contributions to key policies such as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies as well as chartermarks such as the Race Equality Charter
• Opportunities to network and join social events and celebrations.

The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network group is now looking to appoint two new co-chairs, for when the current Co-Chairs (Laverne Condappa-Ward and Loraine Mckoy) step down later in the year.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support colleagues belonging to a highly engaged, diverse and vibrant Network, whilst helping to advance race equality conversations and inform University policies. 

Any staff member at the University is eligible to stand for the Co-Chair positions. This would require the support of two members of staff and only current members of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff network group can vote in the election. There is some time allocated to carrying out duties as well as support from the EDI Directorate, support from an Executive Sponsor, including funding for events and training.

The nomination and election process:

1. Please look at the Co-Chairs duties document (under election documents below) and discuss with your Line Manager if applicable.
2. Complete a nomination form. The closing date for receiving nominations is Monday 27^th March 2023.
3. The summary from each nominee will be circulated to all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Network Group members via the LISTSERV mail for them to vote.
4. Closing date for voting: Monday 24^th April 2023.
5. New co-Chairs announced: Tuesday 2^nd May 2023.

Laverne Condappa-Ward, Current BAME Network Co-Chair:

“As a Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network Co-Chair, you would have opportunity to make a meaningful impact by advocating for Diversity and Inclusion on race matters in the workplace. You help shape policies and practices that promote equality to create a more inclusive workplace for all staff. As a Network Co-Chair, you empower BAME staff by providing a safe space for them to share their experiences, challenges, and concerns. The role helps to develop cultural awareness in the workplace, and you would also have the opportunity to develop your own cultural awareness by learning about the experiences and perspectives of BAME staff. Taking on the role is a great opportunity to develop key leadership and management skills that can enhance your personal and professional development. This can include communication, advocacy and strategic thinking. Overall, being a BAME Staff Network Chair can be a rewarding and fulfilling role that enables you to make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive workplace.”

Election documents:

• BAME co-chair duties
• Election Process Doc
• Co-Chair Nomination Paper
• Voting Paper

Please e-mail BAME.CHAIRS@manchester.ac.uk to for further information.

In an attempt to accommodate the differing working hours of our members, the time of future meetings will vary. Changes will be communicated via this page and email. If you are not currently on our mailing list and would like to be, please email: BAME.CHAIRS@manchester.ac.uk.

Further information

You can join the mailing list and contact the Chairs by emailing: BAME.CHAIRS@manchester.ac.uk

*the University cannot be held responsible for external website content