The International Staff Network was established based on feedback from international staff joining the University. The network is aimed at all staff who are from outside of the UK and enables connections, addresses common difficulties, and facilitates peer support and training opportunities for staff who are from differing countries in our University community.

What are we looking for?

You do not need previous experience chairing a network. The Culture and Inclusion team will provide full support.

  • Ability to chair meetings and engage with committee and network members effectively.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with individuals towards a shared goal.
  • Ability to create a collegiate atmosphere and willingness to take account of diverse views, whilst accepting responsibility for decisions.
  • Interest and experience in leading events and activities that will support the aims of the network
  • Ability to manage a small operational budget

What is expected from you?

The chair of a network is responsible for running the network. They will need time to arrange and attend committee meetings, events and networking. They are also invited to join the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Network (EDIN). An example of the typical annual commitment is:

  • Monthly committee meetings - 12 hours
  • Prepare for committee meeting - 12 hours
  • Follow up actions - 12 hours
  • Ad hoc emails, events, promotions, spin off work - 52 hours
  • Attending EDIN - 12 hours
  • Preparing for EDIN - 4 hours
  • Events and promotions based on EDI calendar - 20 hours
  • TOTAL: 124*

*This will be half if a co chair arrangement is in place.

The term of office is for 12 months and renewable once.

Following the appointments of Co Chairs you will be asked to review the current terms of reference (ToR) for the Network and re-fresh them and review the committee structure

What we offer you in return?

You will gain in-depth understanding and knowledge of how to chair, lead, and manage a network along with:

  • Leadership development - skill building, visibility, experience;
  • Professional networking - expanded connections, mentorship opportunities, employee engagement, cross-Departmental collaboration
  • Influence and Impact – shaping University culture, driving change, feedback loop;
  • Recognition and Career progression – enhancing your CV, increased professional credibility, increased confidence
  • Personal Growth – enhanced well-being, work-life balance, personal development opportunities, alignment with values, skill mastery, sense of purpose.

The Culture and Inclusion team provides:

  • Administration support and guidance
  • £500 operational budget annually
  • Induction training and support

If you're considering putting your name forward as a potential Co Chair, you may feel a little nervous, out of your depth, and unsure. Please be reassured you will be doing so in an environment where we want people to succeed. If this is your first step into a role of this kind, the Culture and Inclusion team is here to support and guide you. This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a leadership role among peers.

If anyone is interested in taking on the role of Network Co Chair, please send a short expression of interest email, briefly explaining why you are interested, to diversity@bath.ac.uk by Friday 7th February 2025 and we will arrange a preliminary conversation between Abi Phillips, Deputy Director of Culture and Inclusion, Aiste Zubiniene, Equality Charter Manager and yourself.

Any questions please feel free to reach out to Abi or Aiste.

If you're interested in joining the network as a member you can join the network's Teams group by using the code 'etwputj' in Teams.