Staff networks
- Corporate information
At Public Health Scotland (PHS), we have six staff networks that support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. These networks help shape organisational strategy and ensure staff voices are heard at every level.
All staff networks have been involved in the development of the first PHS EDI Strategic Approach and Equality Outcomes 2025-2029.
Established in 2023, the Armed Forces Network provides a supportive space for staff with military connections, whether through personal service, reservist roles, cadet experience, or family ties.
This network helps PHS honour the Armed Forces Covenant and supports initiatives like the Employer Recognition Scheme and NES-led Armed Forces Talent Programme. It does this through events and ambassador roles.
Established in April 2020, the Disability, Neurodiversity and Long-Term Conditions (DNLTC) Network is our longest running group. It offers a safe and inclusive space for staff who identify as disabled, neurodivergent or live with long-term health conditions.
The network plays an active role in shaping policies and organisational change, such as influencing the accessibility of new office spaces and contributing to recruitment improvements.
Our LGBT+ staff network, launched in June 2021, is an informal group for LGBT+ staff and allies. The network promotes peer support, social connection, and driving positive change within the organisation. This is done by supporting inclusion, with a firm view that everyone should feel safe and welcome when they come to work.
The group holds regular catch ups and has supported many inclusive initiatives. This has included the NHS Pride badge, enabling preferred pronouns on Microsoft Teams and email signatures, and applying the impact of lived experience to processes and guidance that impacts how we work.
Formed in late 2020, MERN is a safe, confidential, and supportive space for staff who experience discrimination and exclusion because of their race, ethnicity, nationality, national origin, or religion. Open to both minority ethnic staff and their close family members, MERN embraces intersectionality and welcomes allies.
The network actively contributes to anti-racism initiatives and collaborates with PHS to ensure that issues related to race and ethnicity are fully considered and addressed in policy, practice, and procedures.
The network delivers impactful events and workshops, and supports national forums tackling racial inequalities across health and care services in Scotland.
The Parents and Carers Network was created in May 2023 to support staff with parenting or caring responsibilities. It offers regular drop-in sessions and formal meetings, creating space for connection and support.
The network has achieved the first level of the Carer Positive award and is helping to shape initiatives like support at work passports and a one-parent families project, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Launched on International Women’s Day 2024, the Women in Public Health Network aims to empower women across the organisation. Open to all women, including trans women and non-binary colleagues, it supports professional growth, community building and shared learning.
The network is also working in partnership with others to drive cultural change and improve health equity across Scotland.