Learn about the Disability Network with Elyn Hannah

20 November 2023

Elyn has spent her entire working life with the Council which started with the Benefits Department 17 years ago. 18 months ago, she took on an entirely new role as an Equality and Welsh Language Officer which was a very different but exciting new adventure for her.

Elyn has worked closely with GLAM, Diverse, and now the Disability Network.

Formed earlier this year, the Disability Network is the latest staff network which seeks to address the challenges that colleagues may face and ensure the Council is more inclusive of people with disabilities, neurodiversity, and mental ill health.

“It’s incredibly important that we have these staff networks that represent people with different protected characteristics, such as GLAM for LGBTQ+ and Diverse for Black, Asian, and Global Majority staff.

“Seeing the success and positive change that GLAM and Diverse have already brought, it’s so important that we now have a disability network. There are so many staff who might have a disability, or their family members, or they may even work with people with disabilities.

“The addition of the Disability Network is paramount to the Council as we work towards inclusivity and equality – we should reflect the communities we serve, so championing and supporting staff with disabilities is a fundamental step in our journey.”

Although the network was only established earlier this year, the steering group have already finalised their terms of reference and discussed what they want to achieve as a network.

“Establishing the network has been quite a lengthy process. We want to make sure that we get it right and ensure that it accurately represents all interested parties. Disability, neurodiversity, and mental ill health are such a wide spectrum of characteristics we need to consider, and the group is going to mean something different to different people at different times.

“Our core aim is to act as a hub of support for staff with disabilities, both in the wider world as well as in the world of work. This could be assisting a member of staff in getting extra help from their line manager or highlighting what support is available from wider services. Essentially, we want to champion and drive increased outcomes for staff with disabilities.

“Similarly, to GLAM and Diverse, the Disability Network will act as a representative for staff with disabilities via consultations with HR and bringing attention to various employment issues they may face.

“We’re also looking to promote inclusion, accessibility, awareness and acceptance across the organisation and most importantly providing an environment for staff with disabilities to share their viewpoint and experience to help improve the relationship between the organisation and people with disabilities.”

The group also want to challenge the preconception that disabilities only affect people physically. The group’s support and representation also extends to neurodiversity and mental ill health.

“The Council has already done a lot of good work with the Wellbeing Champions, and we will be working with them closely as there is a lot of cross over with what we do and who we represent.

“Alongside physical disabilities, it is important that we recognise and champion invisible disabilities. There are a lot of people who have hidden disabilities and we want to bring that to the forefront of managers and decision making. Just because someone isn’t in a wheelchair, it doesn’t mean that they don’t need extra support.”

As a champion and representative of staff with disabilities, the network will also play a crucial role when it comes to staff consultation about changes in policy and support for staff in the workplace.

“It is so incredibly important to have the voices of staff heard when it comes to policy making. GLAM and Diverse have already had a significant influence on staff policy, helping HR and other departments make sure they’re having a positive impact.

“Consulting the Disability Network will streamline the process of staff consultation and ensure that any changes will have a more impactful effect on staff.”

What’s important to the network is ensuring that staff are involved with their work. They are a place of support and socialisation where staff can meet, share their experiences, and engage with staff across the Council.

“The Disability Network, like GLAM and Diverse, is open to everyone. The more voices that are heard the better the standard of outcomes.

“As an ally to the network, I think it is so important to hear other people’s experiences as they can have such a profound effect on your actions and how you can live your own life in a better way.

“But it is also so important to have members with these protected characteristics in the group too. If you’re looking for particular support or advice, there may be someone who’s had an extremely similar experience who can offer you guidance.

“As I mentioned, disability is such a wide spectrum. You may have a self-identified barrier or a long-term health condition rather than a disability with a particular name. The network wants to be to support you if and when you need.”

“Before Christmas we’re hoping to have the name of the network and finalised and have an official launch.

“Unlike some other Local Authorities, our staff networks have their own identity – they’re not linked to any particular directorate or team within the Council. But this is also why it’s taken so long for us to land on a name because we want to make sure it truly encompasses the experiences of the staff we represent.

“We are also always open to new members. If anyone wants to help out or is interested in taking a chair position in the group, we’d be thrilled to hear from you.”

The Disability Network is open to everyone. If you would like to learn more and get involved, please contact Elyn Hannah at ehannah@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk