A presentation outlining the objectives and activities of the Muslim network showing the benefits offered by a faith-based diversity network. Includes some demographic insights into the Muslim community.

1. Chair
The Muslim Network
Our objectives

2. A Persian, Arab and Roman were travelling through a desert and happened to
chance upon one another and decided to share water and company. After some
time they ran out of water and struggled along in the scorching desert heat.
As they staggered along, they noticed the golden glint of a coin partially submerged
in the desert. Their joy was beyond bounds when they dug it out and it gave them
energy to struggle on to the nearest dwelling.
After some time they came upon a tradesmen selling fruit, and on approaching him,
they discussed what to purchase.
The Persian said, “Angur!”
The Arab exclaimed “ ‘Inab!”
The Roman shouted out, “No, no – Grapes!”
The stall owner smiled and reached down to collect a large bowl of a single fruit
which satisfied them all. In fact, they had all been asking for grapes, just in language
foreign to one another.
[Adapted from a story by Rumi]

3. Cultural
dissonance?
Diverse expression Unified purpose
Universal
values

4. Our objectives
Understand the needs of staff
related to Islam
Raise awareness amongst the
workforce
Support public health policy &
objectives
1
2
3

5. Understanding
1. Reflect 2. Guide 3. Responsibility

6. UnderstandtheneedsofstaffrelatedtoIslam
Objective Activities Outputs
Multi-faith facilities are accessible
at all sites
Liaise with HR & Site Leads to
map out current facilities
Directory of multi-faith facilities
available to all staff
Establish Network representation
across national footprint
Identify and communicate with
site leads nationally
Recruit Network site leads to
facilitate staff representation
Ensure staff are aware about the
Network
Work with HR to raise awareness
through staff induction, diversity
training & prominence on intranet
Provide accessible members
sign-up process and signposting
through HR touchpoints.
Understand workforce
representation by faith
Analyse Diversity dashboard faith
category
Commentary on Diversity
dashboard by faith characteristic
Establish channels for
communicating Network
feedback to senior Management
Ensure Network representation at
the Diversity & Talent board.
Regular meetings with Exec lead.
Summary reports from D & T
Board and Exec meetings for
members
Understand staff needs and
assess Network impact
Collaborate on designing Staff
survey with other diversity leads
Diversity survey published to all
staff for consultation &
benchmarking purposes
Provide regular opportunities for
members to meet
Establish calendar of meetings
and yearplan
Publish terms of reference and
minutes of meetings

7. Managers Employees Public
Raise awareness

8. Raiseawarenessandengagement
amongstthestaffcommunity
Objective Activities Outputs
Establish forum for discussing
Islam and the Muslim community
within the workplace
Organise events with thought
leaders, Civil service and
external specialists
- Lunch and learn sessions
delivered nationally
- Prepare and deliver training
sessions on Ramadan and Hajj
Utilise available communications
channels to raise awareness of
Network activities and notices
Identify and set up channels in
liaison with HR and
Communications
Post updates on approved digital
channels (e.g. Yammer, Weekly
newsletter)
Develop policies which recognise
faith and practise within the
workplace
Prepare policy documentation
with HR relating to Muslim staff
Policy and guidance for
managers and staff
Develop opportunities for
members’ career progression
Review shadowing, mentoring &
coaching schemes with HR /
BAME Network
Feasibility assessment for career
progression activities
Identify and model good practise
for diversity networks
Develop working relationships
with similar organisations across
Civil Service and industry to
benefit from their experience
- Establish inter-organisational
communications to share
information about effective staff
engagement

9. Supportpublicpolicyandobjectivesexternally
Objective Activities Outputs
Establish the organisation as a
leading Health and wellbeing
authority with subject matter
expertise on the Islamic faith
- Engage HR, Policy and
Communications stakeholders to
draft materials for internal and
external distribution
- Develop relationships with faith
leaders and authorities for review
and distribution of materials
Publish resources about Health
and Wellbeing in relation to the
Muslim community for other
networks and organisations
Support community engagement
activities targeting the Muslim
community
Identify corporate activities which
require stronger community
consultation or engagement
Support communications and
stakeholder mapping to improve
uptake of organisational
campaigns or activities
Collaborate on joint activities with
other networks
Develop partnerships with similar
organisations across Civil
Service and industry sharing
resources and expertise
Participate in inter-organisational
activities with partner
organisations on matters of
interest to the Network
Raise awareness of the Muslim
Network across Civil Service
Establish contact with HR &
Networks in all government
departments and ALBs
Promote the Networks activities
across Civil Service

10. Recognise Muslim diversity

11. How?

12. How?

13. Support organisational objectives
Inequalities
Diet
Medicine
Cancer
screening
Travel &
vaccination
Mental
health
Prevalence
Diabetes
Heart
disease
Funerals
Post mortem
Family
Consanguinity
Elderly care
Childhood
obesity
Religion plays an important part in supporting health promotion
Community
engagement
Collaborative
working
opportunities
Build
capacity of
public health
system

14. Thank you
Questions?