Creating an inclusive workplace is a fundamental part of staying true to our values. Through the Be You At Bupa network, Bupa UK are doing exactly that. Made up of twelve network leads, Be You At Bupa provides a representative voice and peer-to-peer support for colleagues whilst continuously driving employee-led inclusion forward.
We spoke with two of the network leads, Jen Clarke, Clinical Quality Assurance Manager and Roy Cochran Patel, Health and Safety Lead, who shared their insight into why networks like Be You At Bupa are so important.
How did you come across the Be You at Bupa network?
Jen: I heard about the network through an email asking for volunteers to take part in an exciting, new opportunity to make a real difference. I applied immediately and was delighted to be offered the role as a Network Lead and haven’t looked back since!
How do networks like this one promote inclusivity and what kind of support is on offer?
Roy: Networks like this help to promote visibility and a sense of belonging for our people. Our aim is to educate and build awareness of diversity and inclusion in a safe, and open space. This is done through various mediums such as listening sessions, peer-to-peer support and welcoming external speakers to share their lived experiences with us.
What does it take to become a network lead?
Jen: The network is created by our people, for our people. The Network Lead volunteers work with sponsors to create and deliver an inclusive engagement plan of activities to bring Be You At Bupa to life. Having a growth mindset is key to being a Lead as there’s the constant opportunity to soak up knowledge from the others. Not to mention, it’s an incredibly rewarding role that has helped my personal development.
How did the network adapt during the pandemic?
Roy: At the start of the pandemic, the network was very much in its infancy and we did worry that not having a physical presence would be detrimental to our growth. This ended up being a positive as everyone had adapted to working remotely which meant nobody felt excluded because they weren’t based in a central office and were missing out on physical sessions.
Hosting our sessions virtually allows everyone to join in from anywhere in the UK and even watch session recordings later if they can’t join. This has enabled us to have a wider reach and greater impact.
Why is it important for organisations to create spaces like this for its people?
Roy: Networks like ours are incredibly important. Some people don’t have a support network or may not know who to turn to. By being able to share stories and hear the experiences of others, a safe space is created for those who otherwise might not have one.
What part does the Be You At Bupa network play in helping Bupa fulfil its strategy?
Jen: One of the things I love about the network is that it empowers people to take ownership of a space that has been created for them; giving them a more representative voice and sense of unity.
A key element of the network is feeding our learnings back to the wider organisation so that policies can be transformed to become truly representative of the people that they serve. It’s the latter part which entwines the work we do with Bupa’s wider strategy as there’s no better way to make people feel heard by listening to what they have to say.
Advice for anyone who wants to join the network and what can they expect?
Roy: Go for it! You’ll find a group of people we are like minded, supportive and eager to learn.
What do you love the most about being a part of the network?
Jen: A colleague spoke recently about how they had been nervous about returning to the office, but once they arrived, they felt a feeling of ‘comforting inclusion’. I can’t think of a better way to describe the kind of environment we’re striving to create at Bupa. Moments like this are what make me want to continue with the great work that we’re doing. To quote Margaret Mead, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has”.