September 2025
You will achieve more when you are in sync with your DEI team
The relationship between a disability ERG/Network leader and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team is crucial in affecting meaningful change within an organisation.
ERG/Network Leaders have direct contact with colleagues with disabilities which provides them with a detailed understanding of the challenges and obstacles faced within their organisation.
The DEI team have influence on budget, policy and decision making that impacts all members of the organisation. So when these two groups are in sync, meaningful change is inevitable.
A great relationship between ERG/Network Leaders and their DEI team ensures:
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The disability ERG/Networks strategy is aligned to the DEI, wider ERG, and overall organisation strategy, maximising the chances for success.
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The ERG/Network’s leadership and activities are adequately resourced, recognised and rewarded.
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There is a channel to share difficult information when needed.
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A lack of disability data doesn’t prevent progress on known issues.
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That disputes between employees and the organisation are dealt with by the most appropriate parties
This month, we invite you to consider:
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How can you take ownership for the quality of your relationship with your DEI Team?
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Do you understand the priorities and challenges of your DEI leaders?
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When was the last time you read your organisation's DEI strategy?
Peer Leadership Roundtables
One of the most valuable aspects of PurpleSpace membership is the opportunity to build your leadership capacity via quality conversation with other disability ERG/Network leaders.
Each month we convene groups of disability ERG/Network leaders to stimulate discussion on the monthly leadership lesson.
Connect with your peers during these interactive one-hour sessions for disability ERG/Network leaders. These sessions are a great way to share good practice and challenges, swap ideas and build your ERG/Network leadership capacity.
In September, we have two sessions to choose from to explore the key to a productive and impactful relationship with your DEI leaders:
New resource
This month, we publish a new video resource featuring DEI professionals who used to be disability ERG/Network leaders. In this film, leaders will share what they wished they had known about DEI and their top tips for disability ERG/Network leaders on developing productive relationships with their DEI colleagues.
PurpleSpace and External Useful Resources:
Tap into our Networkology know-how and check out some of the external learning that links to this month’s leadership lesson:
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New resource on lessons from DEI leaders who used to be disability ERG/Network leaders.
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Magic Trio Briefing Document – Provides practical information on the ‘Magic Trio’ of ERG, Executive Sponsor and DEI Team – working collaboratively.