We welcomed Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, CEO of The Power of Staff Networks to our Diversity and Inclusion in Business Conference 2024, where she explored the significance and influence of staff networks within organisations. Cherron published her book The Power of Staff Networks and founded the innovative National Day for Staff Networks, highlighting her passion for this topic. The full video is available above with a summary below.
The Role of Staff Networks
Staff networks aim to accomplish three primary objectives: stopping certain practices, fixing or changing issues, and initiating new activities. They provide a platform for shared understanding and common purpose among members, which can lead to significant organisational and personal benefits. Networks often represent member concerns, create safe spaces for open dialogue, and highlight cultural or policy barriers.
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The Diversity-Inclusion Gap
A key focus was the persistent gap between diversity and inclusion in organisations. Despite efforts to promote diversity, inclusion often lags, leading to issues such as stereotyping, microaggressions, and lack of progression for underrepresented groups. This gap can result in feelings of isolation and being overlooked.
Empathy Gap and Its Impact
The empathy gap, a cognitive bias where people are more empathetic towards those within their in-group, also contributes to the diversity-inclusion gap. This bias can hinder decision-making and the ability to relate to different lived experiences, exacerbating challenges within the organisation.
Network Leadership Balance
Network leaders must balance being representative voices and activists with being strategic advocates for change. This balance is crucial to effectively lead both people and organisational change. Leaders should create safe spaces while also engaging with senior leaders to address staff challenges.

Strategic Alignment and Collaboration
Networks should align their goals with organisational objectives to demonstrate their value. By tying their activities to strategic goals, networks can gain traction, interest, and sponsorship. Collaboration with other networks and organisational groups is also essential for mutual benefit and increased impact.
Roadmap for Network Success
A clear roadmap for establishing and maintaining successful networks includes:

- Defining the Why: Clearly articulating the network’s purpose and goals.
- Setting Priorities: Focusing on two or three key objectives to avoid overextension.
- Planning and Action: Developing an action plan with clear deliverables and responsibilities.
- Measuring Impact: Evaluating events and initiatives to gather feedback and demonstrate success.
- Communicating Achievements: Regularly informing members, leadership, and the wider organisation about the network’s achievements and impact.
Benefits of Staff Networks
For organisations, staff networks provide a ready-made focus group, foster an inclusive culture, improve service delivery, increase engagement, and develop inclusive leaders. Networks also serve as a workforce attractor, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
For individuals, networks offer innovation, talent development, support, and progression opportunities. They provide a platform for increased visibility and a strong employee voice, which is essential for organisational health and success.
Working Together to Drive Organisational Growth
The power of staff networks lies in their ability to bridge the diversity-inclusion gap, foster a supportive and inclusive environment, and drive both personal and organisational growth. Organisations and network leaders must work together to harness this power and create meaningful change.
Inclusion, Diversity and Equality in the Workplace Conference 2024

Why Attend?
- Gain Valuable Insights into the latest trends, best practices, and strategies for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace
- Learn from expert speakers and industry leaders who will share their experiences and expertise in implementing successful EDI initiatives
- Explore innovative approaches to creating inclusive work environments that foster belonging and respect for all employees
- Acquire practical tools and resources to develop and implement robust EDI policies and practices within your organisation
- Network with like-minded professionals and exchange ideas, experiences, and best-practices for advancing EDI in various industries and sectors.
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