‘Networkology’ is the phrase invented by our Founder and CEO, Kate Nash OBE, to describe the ‘art and science’ of running a high-performing ERG/Network – see April. Throughout the month of October we build upon our Networkology Part 1 offering in April, exploring the remaining 5 of the 10 key components to running an impactful ERG/Network. These include:

• Building a ‘stand-out’ brand
• Creating imaginative communications
• Creating authentic story-telling campaigns
• The role of the ERG/Network in the organisation’s workplace adjustment process
• The role of the ERG/Network in building inner confidence

Our comprehensive resources (listed below) will help anchor your work and objectives through providing a thorough foundation of the principles of delivering high-performing ERGs/Networks, offering real-life examples of successful ERGs/Networks and fresh ideas for those looking to refresh or reinvigorate their work in these areas.

Alongside our peer group learning sessions we will also be providing further engagement opportunities through our Networkology Academy Foundation Programme – more details coming soon.

October learning & development opportunities

Connect with your peers at one of this month’s peer group learning sessions – these small, interactive one-hour sessions for ERG/Network leaders and those working towards disability inclusion are a great way to share good practice, swap ideas, share challenges and opportunities and build your leadership capabilities.

We have three sessions to choose from:

• Wednesday, 5th October at 08:00 – 09:00 (BST)
• Wednesday, 19th October at 16:00 – 17:00 (BST)

Accelerating cultural change is one of the core purposes of a high-performing ERG/Network and our Working Group meetings this month provide a unique platform for ERG/Network leaders to discuss and feed directly into our work in this areas. 

PurpleSpace’s ERG Global Forum, our strategic Working Group bringing together organisations operating globally who support us to deliver tools and resources in order to accelerate cultural change for employees with disabilities around the world via the power of ERGs/Networks, will meet on Tuesday, 11th October.

PurpleSpace’s #PurpleLightUp Reference Group, our strategic Working Group that explores how to maximise the impact of #PurpleLightUp to drive cultural change, will meet on Thursday, 20th October. This meeting is open to all and further information can be found here. 

If you are interested in finding out more about our Working Groups, please do get in touch via hello@purplespace.org.

Further reading & helpful resources

Our extensive Resource Library has a number of resources to support you in embedding this month’s theme, including:

• Networkology Highlights Brochure: Tips and advice from members of the PurpleSpace community focussing on 10 key areas to help you enhance the work of your ERG/Network, also containing links to webinars on each specific area.
• Spotlight On … Carden Wyckoff and Tom Frantz, Salesforce: Video interview with Carden Wyckoff and Tom Frantz of Salesforce, containing leadership lessons for running high-performing ERGs/Networks and the importance of ERGs/Networks being appropriately recognised, resourced and rewarded. 
• Series of webinars tailored to the lifecycle or ‘swimlane’ of your disability ERG/Network and your experience in ERG/Network leadership, providing tips and advice on the 10 key components of running a successful ERG/network:
• Starting Out – For those in the process of creating a Network/Resource Group or those who have been running a Network/Resource Group for two years or less – featuring speakers from Graze and Companies House.
• Stepping Up – For those who are leading an ERG/Network that has been established for two to four years – featuring speakers from Serco and BEIS.
• Thriving & Innovating – For those leading well-established Networks/Resource Groups that are influencing change on disability inclusion internally and externally – featuring speakers from BT and GSK.