When you join GC, you aren’t just joining an organisation, you become part of our GC family from your very first day.
As a social enterprise we have a lot to offer our colleagues and we always want to strengthen your feeling of belonging at GC, nurture growth and enable you to perform to the best of your ability.
With International Day of Staff Networks coming up on Wednesday 8th May we wanted to let you know about the colleague networks available to you, and why you should get involved.
It’s of course up to you how much you want to get involved with all that GC offers, whether its not at all, if you want to dip in and out, or if you want to dive right in and be involved with all parts of GC.
Our EDI Networks
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Did you know we have eight EDI Networks, and you can join one as a member or an ally.
These networks are open to all of our colleagues regardless of what role you are in, what service area you work in or where you are located. Some of our EDI networks have subgroups and champions such as our Health and Wellbeing EDI Network subgroups:
- Menopause Support Group via Teams
- Mental Health Champion Support Group
- Neurodiversity Support Group via Teams
- Neurodiversity Champion Support Group
Through these networks we raise awareness of various important areas of interest to our colleagues. Find out more here.
Our eight networks are:
- Age
- EmbRace
- Health and Wellbeing
- LGBTQ+
- Parent and Carers
- Women
- Religion and Faith
- Military Veteran and Reservists
Team Green
At GC, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and have an ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2035. A lot of our colleagues are also interested in reducing their own carbon footprint - our colleague environment group is a monthly opportunity to meet with other colleagues. These meetings are an ideal opportunity to discuss the steps GC can take to achieve our net zero goals and the opportunities to widen participation. If you'd like to have your say and make a difference, come along to the next GC Team Green meeting.
To find out more contact teamgreen@growthco.uk
Employee Consultative Committee (ECC)
The ECC is another channel available for colleague voice. Through two-way exchange of information, ideas and views, the aim of this group is to proactively promote and support colleague engagement, effective internal communications, two-way feedback with the Senior Management Team; act as a local consultative body for information and consultation on group initiatives; support colleagues who are being managed within a formal process.
We have six ECC groups, each one is made up of business unit representatives, as well as a lead representative, who meet regularly with each other and SMT, to discuss company and group wide initiatives. We are developing a page on Our Working Way where you will be able to find out more information, or you can contact your lead ECC.
- Business Support and Business Finance – currently being elected.
- Centre for Assessment – Jennifer Riley.
- Corporate Services, including Business Development and CEO office – Dee Beckett.
- Education and Skills – Matt Barton.
- Employment – Rachel Hughes.
- Marketing Manchester and MIDAS – currently being elected.
Benefits of joining a network
Our colleague networks are voluntary and a fantastic way to make the most of your journey with us. Not only are they a great way to meet likeminded people, but they give you the opportunity to try something new and develop new interests.
Networks tend to meet once a month mostly via Teams. The key benefits to joining a network include:
- Peer-to-peer support.
- Meeting colleagues from across the business.
- An opportunity to get involved in campaigns and raising awareness.
- Share feedback and experiences.
- Develop skills.
- Feelings of belonging.
- Sharing similar experiences.
How to get involved
With PDR reviews now taking place, why not discuss with your manager how they can support you best so you can get involved with the networks.
Outside of the networks we also offer you the opportunity to take up to two days of leave in one year to volunteer. Find out more here.
As an inclusive employer we are here and committed to supporting you to get the most out of working with us.
If you would like to give us feedback on our networks, please email us at Communications@growthco.uk