Colleague Ability Network | North West, UK
Outstanding Diversity Network
Having being born with a hearing disability I had always thought I needed to be a normal as possible to be treated 'able'. In my professional environment I did not voice the challenges I faced for over 20 years. Deafness is generally a hidden challenge; some people wish not to be open about it, thinking that they will be judged or made fun of (it is very common!) and it is also something that it easily forgotten about. I shared my story for Deaf Awareness Day and in being vulnerable colleagues reached out to share their stories too and I realised the relief that people had sharing their experiences and feeling supported. In school I definitely struggled with some of the different methods of teaching and my brother has also received a late diagnosis of Autism in his 30s. I feel so strongly that he, like so many have been let down, made to fit and feeling incredibly disappointed when we inevitably failed . Though-out my personal and professional career have always been passionate about learning the reasons why and how people process information and think differently as well as the challenges that disabled people face. Learning from those around me has enabled me to understand more about myself and become more aware to help support friends, family and colleagues, and I’m still learning!
When starting my current role in Change it has always been, and is so important, it is vital to understand how we all can be guided by our neurodiversity and physical abilities when we face into everyday life and particularly during change. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach for a diverse workforce such as ours in UU. I want us to continually improve as an organisation to be more and more inclusive and to always consider what forms of support and accommodation may be needed, in order for everyone to safely share what they need, and to feel empowered. Together with our amazing training and communications teams. Sharing learning about comms preferences and working with our Tech Services team we have seen improvements.
Feeling strongly about the Challenge - Diversity is strongest when every colleague feels seen, valued and able to contribute fully. Across our organisation, colleagues experience disability, neurodiversity, hearing loss, long-term health conditions, menopause, bereavement and grief in many different ways. Some of these experiences are visible, while many are hidden, which can make it harder for colleagues to know where to turn, how to ask for support, or how to feel confident bringing their whole selves to work.
As Ability Network leads, we recognised the opportunity to remove barriers, challenge assumptions and create a stronger sense of belonging. We wanted to build safe, welcoming and practical spaces where colleagues could connect, share lived experiences and access support, while helping managers and teams develop the confidence to make inclusion part of everyday conversations, decisions and ways of working.
Taking Action - Over the last year, our Ability Colleague Network has gone from strength to strength by giving colleagues a stronger voice and helping different experiences be recognised and understood. Alongside the growth of the main network, we have expanded dedicated support through four colleague-led subgroups: Hearing, Neurodiversity, Life Long Conditions, and Bereavement & Grief. These groups provide inclusive spaces where colleagues can connect, feel heard, share what matters to them and access practical support that makes a real difference.
The Ability Colleague Network and each subgroup provide monthly in-person and online sessions for employees across the organisation, helping support reach colleagues in different roles, locations and circumstances. We mark relevant awareness days, promote training opportunities virtually and face to face, and invite external speakers and partners, including DSN Deaf Sensory Network, Inclusive Companies and other key stakeholders, to share knowledge, insight and lived experience.
We have also helped colleagues and line managers access practical training, including British Sign Language, Disability Awareness training for line managers, and Menopause training for managers. We have provided solutions to the challenges faced at UU events including the provision of Menopause Fans, ear defenders, hearing amplification devises, fidget spinners priority seating and quiet spaces. Through multiple communication channels and active member advocacy across business areas, we have increased visibility, encouraged open conversations and helped colleagues better understand how different needs, identities and life experiences can shape people’s experience at work and ensure inclusion for all. .
