Celebrating our 2025 staff network achievements
From improving policies and championing inclusion to shaping national conversations, each of North East Ambulance Service’s staff networks delivered a year of exceptional progress, support and innovation in 2025, making a meaningful difference to colleagues across the organisation.
Here’s a summary of their achievements in 2025, highlighting the vital role networks play in creating a culture where every colleague feels valued and included.
Able@NEAS: Driving accessibility and support
Able@NEAS led several major initiatives to improve the working lives of colleagues with disabilities and long‑term conditions.
In collaboration with Emergency Operations Centre teams, the network co‑produced and delivered neurodiversity training that increased managers’ confidence in supporting neurodivergent staff. Their influential work helped shape the Trust’s new reasonable adjustments policy, ensuring practical, meaningful support is built into everyday processes.
The network also:
- Introduced a medical alert bracelet process, including infection control friendly options
- Implemented dyslexia‑friendly improvements across systems
- Partnered with Maggie’s to support colleagues living with cancer through workshops and online training
Empower@NEAS: championing women’s health and wellbeing
Empower@NEAS continued to amplify the voices and experiences of women across the organisation.
In 2025, the network delivered a diverse programme of awareness sessions covering domestic violence, menopause, and women’s health, alongside a successful International Women’s Day event. Their attendance at a national women’s conference brought back new insights and learning that will inform future priorities.
Their contribution to uniform design ensured that colleagues experiencing menopause symptoms are better supported in their day‑to‑day work. They also played a key role in shaping a new menopause policy that promotes dignity, flexibility and understanding.
Proud@NEAS: visibility, allyship and community
Proud@NEAS had a vibrant and high‑profile year, representing the organisation at Northern Pride, Darlington Pride, and Sunderland Pride—showcasing NEAS as an inclusive employer and supporting recruitment outreach.
The network also hosted its own Colleague Pride Event, providing a safe, celebratory space for LGBTQ+ staff and allies. As members of the Regional LGBT+ NHS Network, they strengthened collaboration and shared best practice across trusts. Work has also begun on planning a national LGBT+ conference for 2026, aimed at elevating LGBTQ+ voices across the NHS.
Serve@NEAS: supporting those who serve
Launched in 2025, Serve@NEAS quickly established itself as a key source of support for reservists, veterans and service families. The network raised awareness of leave entitlements, strengthened support structures and coordinated Remembrance events, including the ‘I REMEMBER’ campaign.
Their work included attending a Royal Navy capability demonstration and compiling workforce data to better understand the needs of the armed forces community at NEAS. Their efforts contributed to the organisation achieving Armed Forces Covenant Gold compliance and winning a national employer award recognising outstanding support for service personnel.
Together@NEAS: building inclusion and respect
Together@NEAS celebrated a year of major recognition, including winning the HPMA Award for Inclusive Leadership and the NEAS Inclusion & Respect Award, alongside individual honours for members of the network.
Their work focused on improving staff experience and safety by updating call‑handling guidance, enhancing hate‑crime reporting processes, and strengthening zero‑tolerance measures for abusive behaviour. They also embedded lived experience into EPRR planning, ensuring responses to civil unrest and emergencies reflect the needs of all communities. Welfare checks and safe‑space initiatives provided further direct support to colleagues.