We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to take on the running of the Carers’ Support Network (staff) and the Kaleidoscope LGBTQ+ Network (staff and PGRs). You do not need previous experience of chairing a network, as the Culture and Inclusion team will provide full support and guidance.

The typical annual time commitment is around 124 hours, usually split between two co-chairs (62 hours per person). This article has more in-depth information on the role of a staff network chair. Although written for a different network, the details on desirable skills, role expectations, and support offered remain the same.

If you are interested in either network role please send a short expression of interest to diversity@bath.ac.uk by Monday 9 February at 9am.

Outgoing Kaleidoscope chair, Sophie Madison, said:

Setting up and running this network has been incredibly fulfilling. Chairing Kaleidoscope committee led me to find my passion and change my career to become an inclusion professional. I have made so many great friends along the way too, who I am thankful for every day.

Working with senior management (including meetings with Vice-Chancellors), inputting on policy with HR, and supporting LGBTQ+ community members has been such a rewarding experience.

As well as making change at the institution and giving me more confidence in myself, the last nine years have been a ball! We have planned so many fun trips, workshops, and even founded the annual Campus Pride drag show.

Anyone is welcome to drop me an email if they want to chat about the role.

Kate Evans, outgoing co-chair of the Carers’ Support Network said:

I’ve really enjoyed co-chairing the network for the past couple of years, both for my personal growth and as a professional development opportunity.

It’s been rewarding to meet new colleagues and deepen my relationships with those I already knew, as I learnt about the challenges of being a staff carer. It’s made me appreciate the difficulties others are facing, improved my awareness of compassionate communications and active listening, and I’ve learnt a lot about the financial and practical support on offer.

I’ve also enjoyed planning and running the monthly meetings and one-off events, working with new people in Finance, the C&I team, and Print services. And chairing the group and liaising with external contacts has increased my confidence and improved my leadership skills.

Chairing the network hasn’t been a huge commitment in time; on average I’ve spent two-three hours a month on both the admin and the meetings. And it’s undoubtedly been worth the effort. I would encourage others to consider the role as I’m sure they’ll find it rewarding too, contributing to a more inclusive culture here at Bath.

If you have any questions about what’s involved I’m happy to meet for a coffee or have a chat on Teams.