How our diversity networks operate

Find out about the purpose and structure of the networks and how they operate, including how members are elected to leadership roles.

The CSP has three diversity networks:

Structure of the networks

Following a review of all CSP networks, in December 2021, CSP Council agreed to a new model constitution for the CSP diversity networks. The new constitution brought the diversity networks structures in line with other CSP networks such as the regional networks, and gave access to additional resources including:

  • A network committee (of up to 10 people, in addition to the existing roles of chair and vice-chair), which shall consist of members elected at an Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • Budgetary arrangements for each network.

The diversity network constitutions

    Diversity committee roles

    Each diversity network committee consists of:  

    • Chair (or co-chairs)
    • Vice-chair
    • A committee of up to 10 members, who may take on whatever functional roles the leadership team deem necessary for the running of the network.  

    Finances 

    The diversity network financial year runs from 1 January to 31 December.  

    The CSP allocates funds to the diversity networks annually based on a set amount (£1,700 pa) per network, plus an additional 25p per registered* member based on the last day of the previous year. Funds are ring fenced, subject to the CSP’s usual governance and terms and conditions, and the network committee will need to confirm desired spend with the diversity engagement officer. Unspent funds will be credited to the following year’s budget, but if reserves exceed £4,000 you won’t be able to draw on additional funds until they do fall below that amount. 

    The CSP finance team provides periodic statements to the budget holder, including year-end accounts. These accounts are available at any point during the year. 

    Network members may claim expenses associated with diversity network duties (supported by itemised receipts) for all items except minor business travel expenditure.  

    Where the CSP asks the network to undertake activity, for example to send reps to a TUC event, these costs will be met from existing CSP budgets (not the network budget). 

    *Registered on the iCSP network.  

    How we connect

    We meet at least twice a year, including holding joint sessions of common interest, individual network Annual General Meetings, and coming together for annual events like Pride and TUC equality conferences. 

    Events are held in a hybrid manner where possible. 

    Through the private communications channels (such as iCSP and WhatsApp) members exchange ideas and information on equality and diversity related issues and events.

    Annual General Meetings (AGMs)

    Each diversity network holds an AGM each calendar year. The business of the AGM shall be:   

    • To elect the chair, vice-chair and up to 10 other members to plan and deliver the work of the network and to act as a link between members in the network and the CSP nationally.   
    • To consider any other business.  

     The AGM and elections will be advertised, as a minimum, via iCSP and by an email to all eligible members not less than seven days before the date of the meeting. 

    Please refer to the diversity networks calendar where AGM details will be added once they are arranged. 

     

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