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Staff Forums and Network

We have three Staff Forums and Network for BME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ staff members and their allies. These are staff led groups of employees, established to support colleagues in having their voices heard in respect of experiences working for NHSGGC.

Each Forum/Network has an appointed Chair and a growing membership of around 300 to 350 people.

The invitation to join a Forum/Network is open to everyone – please click the relevant tile below to find out more about joining and becoming a member.

We are committed to supporting our staff equality groups and have named Human Resource contacts to provide consistent support, information and advice to the Chair and members, with HR specific enquires and concerns.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Staff Forums and Networks Event 2026: presentations and post-event information

Staff from across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde came together on Monday 10 August 2026 at the Teaching and Learning Centre, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, for the Staff Forums and Networks Event 2026.

The event brought together members of the LGBTQ+ Staff Forum, BME Staff Network and Staff Disability Forum, along with colleagues, allies and senior leaders, to listen, share experience and focus on the issues that matter to staff.

The day opened with Dr Lesley Thomson KC, NHSGGC Board Chair, whose continued support for the Staff Forums and Networks has helped strengthen their profile and influence across the organisation. Her opening remarks recognised the important role these groups play in making sure staff voice is heard, valued and reflected in how NHSGGC works.

Liam Spence, Head of Staff Experience, then set the scene for the day, outlining the role of the Staff Forums and Networks and the value they bring to NHSGGC. He spoke about the importance of listening to staff experience, supporting staff-led spaces, and using forum insight to help shape a more inclusive workplace.

Throughout the event, Forum and Network representatives shared their work, priorities and reflections. Guest speakers also spoke about lived experience, community, inclusion and the importance of being heard.

The event included forum-led breakout conversations, giving staff the opportunity to discuss what is working well, what still needs to change, and how NHSGGC can continue to support and strengthen its Staff Forums and Networks.

Speaker presentations from the day are available below for colleagues who attended and for staff who were unable to join.

You can find here, the staff forums and networks event 2026 Resource Pack.

Presentations

LGBTQ+ Staff Forum

Andy Wyllie, Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Forum, shared an overview of the Forum’s work to support LGBTQ+ staff and allies, increase visibility, and help influence policy and practice across NHSGGC.

View presentation here

From Uprising to Community: The Evolution of Pride in Scotland

Stuart McPhail, Pride Glasgow, explored the history of Pride, from Stonewall through to Pride in Scotland and Glasgow, and reflected on Pride’s continued role in solidarity, representation and community action.

View presentation here

BME Staff Network

Owolona Ogbe, Co-Chair of the BME Staff Network, outlined the Network’s membership, priorities and impact, including leadership representation, career progression, anti-racism, belonging and support for internationally recruited staff.

View presentation here

Diversity in Healthcare: My Experience

Margaret Mugyenyi shared her personal experience of joining NHSGGC, adapting to a new country and workplace, and the importance of support, belonging and diversity in healthcare.

View presentation here

Staff Disability Forum: Not all disabilities are visible, but all are valid

Atika Sharma, Chair of the Staff Disability Forum, gave an overview of the Forum’s work, including reasonable adjustments, accessibility, the Workplace Adjustment Passport, Disability History Month and support for disabled staff.

View presentation here

Kate Ocker: A safe place to share

Kate Ocker, Former Chair of the Staff Disability Forum, reflected on the importance of safe spaces for staff, building engagement, supporting inclusion and helping establish the Forum’s foundations.

View presentation here

Thank you to all speakers, Forum and Network members, facilitators and colleagues who contributed to the event.

The discussions from the day will help shape the next stage of work with our Staff Forums and Networks, with a continued focus on listening to staff experience and turning that learning into practical action.

If you require further information on the Staff Forums and Networks event, please email ggc.staffexperience@nhs.scot.

If you require printed copies of the Staff Forums/Network poster, please email ggc.staffexperience@nhs.scot.

The Power of the Staff Forums And Network

Our Staff Forums and Network are inclusive, engaging and passionate, offering support, access and opportunity. Members are invited to share lived experiences if they choose, and exchange ideas and recommendations for continuous improvement. The Forums/Network enable constructive conversations and are a powerful source of influence.

  • People – Supporting Individuals 
  • Ownership – Inspiring Ownership
  • Workforce – Connecting Colleagues
  • Experiences – Sharing Experiences
  • Representation & Respect – Person Centred

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