Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender forum
The MOD LGBT Forum exists to ensure that the Department fulfils its obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Membership to the LGBT Forum is open to all civilian and military LGBT staff in the department and is confidential.
Aims of the Forum
- represent the interests of LGBT staff throughout the MOD;
- raise awareness and publicity of LGBT issues throughout the MOD;
- provide a channel of communication between LGBT staff and the MOD via the
- Diversity Team, the Corporate HR Department and Equality and Diversity Officers;
- provides a means by which LGBT staff can meet in a private and safe
- environment to discuss LGBT issues and that facilitates interaction
- and communication between LGBT staff;
- forms a confidential support network of LGBT staff within the MOD;
- oppose discrimination and inequality, particularly on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity;
- promote the welfare of LGBT staff.
MOD Gender Network incorporating MOD Women
The MOD Gender Network exists to ensure the the Department fulfils its obligations under the Equality Act 2010. The Network provides a forum that can explore, and act as a focus, for the 'lived experience' of MOD civilian staff in relation to their sex and gender.
Aims of the Network
- Influence and inform the Diversity agenda in MOD in respect of civilian gender related issues.
- Provide support and advice, share best practice and facilitate communication across all MOD Networks (Women's Networks and Men's Networks)
- Link to and share best practice with Women's Networks across Government.
Local Disability Networks
Local Disability Networks give disabled members of staff a ‘voice’ and provide them with help, support and encouragement. The Networks are responsible for discussing the key issues and concerns of staff within their areas and act as conduits for information to be passed to and from the Disability Steering Committee (DSC). Local Networks are also involved in the consultation of policies through the DSC. The members of the networks and the DSC directly influence and improve the working lives of all disabled members of staff.
MOD Women’s Networks
Women’s Networks provides support and encouragement to civilian and service women in the work place regardless of rank, grade, age, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation. The Networks give a voice to take forward the interest and concerns of women and to influence improvements and policies through regular engagement with senior managers to help the MoD to recruit, develop and retain women. The focus of the groups is for members to offer and receive support from each other and provides an opportunity for women to share information and experiences in order to help women gain confidence and maximise their potential within the department. Women’s networks are also open to men who are interested in gender issues.
Ethnic Minority Steering Committee (EMSC)
Following the Civil Service Programme of Action on Race in 1991, the Ethnic Minority Steering Committee (EMSC) was set up to take forward the interests and concerns of ethnic minority staff within the MOD. The MOD EMSC Forum exists to ensure that the Department fulfils it's obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
Vision
To be the voice of Ethnic Minority staff adding value by driving and influencing change.
Mission
To contribute and influence the development and implementation of policies and practices affecting EM staff, by drawing on internal, external experiences of good practice, barriers and lessons learnt.
Aims of the networks
The Department via the EMSC are trying to establish regional networks to further encourage staff participation on issues which affect them. Networks can:
- Encourage staff to engage in open dialogue and share best practice and ideas
- Provide a support network for each other
- Create an avenue for EM staff to contribute to policies which may affect them.