Staff Disability and Neurodiversity Network relaunched

LJMU has marked the relaunch of its staff disability network under a new name – the Staff Disability and Neurodiversity Network – with an event bringing together colleagues from across the university both in-person and online.

The new name, suggested and voted on by members, reflects a commitment to more clearly recognise and include neurodivergent staff, alongside disabled colleagues and those with long-term health conditions, and to ensure the network continues to be a visible and supportive space for staff voice and community.

The event opened with remarks from Moni Akinsanya, our Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion, who highlighted the importance of the network in shaping policy and practice, and its role in helping LJMU move from intention to impact in creating a more inclusive workplace. She also noted the university’s wider commitments, including the recently created Disability Action Plan, informed by research from Simon Ward, Senior Lecturer in Social Work in our School of Public and Allied Health, and ongoing work towards Disability Confident Leader (Level 3) status.

Attendees took part in structured group discussions, giving participants the opportunity to reflect on current policies and processes and to identify priorities for change informed by lived experiences.

The discussions marked the start of a wider consultation process, which will inform future work by the Diversity and Inclusion Team and HR to strengthen consistency, improve support, and embed good practice across the institution.

The relaunch also signalled the beginning of a new chapter for the network as a staff-led space, with opportunities for colleagues to get involved in shaping its future through leadership and committee roles, supported by training and development.

This relaunch was about more than a new name – it was about creating space for honest conversation, shared experience and practical ideas for change. The insights shared at our launch event are valuable, and will directly inform our next steps, and we’re really grateful to everyone who took part.

Moni Akinsanya, Associate Director Diversity and Inclusion

Further updates on the consultation process and opportunities to get involved with the Staff Disability and Neurodiversity Network will be shared with staff in the coming weeks.

If you would like to be involved in the network - in whatever way feels right for you, whether as committee member, contributors to discussions and consultations, or as part of the wider community – you are warmly encouraged to contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team.

Email the Diversity and Inclusion Team

Visit our Staff Network webpages for information and joining instructions for all of our LJMU networks.