NEREO facilitates a number of regional networks, offering an opportunity for mutual support and sharing good practice.
Current networks supported are detailed below:
North East Region Strategic HR Forum (NESHRF)
The network for the Directors/Heads of HR from the 12 Councils in the region plus Police and Fire Authorities.
The network provides an opportunity to share information and best practice, discuss current ‘hot topics’ and receive presentations from invited guests.
It is also a forum where soundings on key issues can be taken helping to advise NEREO and national colleagues
Date of next meeting : Wednesday 30 April 2025, 14:00, Microsoft TEAMS
Regional Education Group (Children’s HR Group)
This network is for HR staff engaged primarily in delivering HR support to schools and was established in 2009.
The group has continued to meet regularly and meetings are often attended by the LGA lead officer on Education Terms and Conditions and, on occasions, by staff from the Department of Education.
Date of next meeting : Thursday 8th May, 13:30, Microsoft Teams
Health and Safety Lead Officers Group
This network allows for shared learning through regular contact between the members at quarterly meetings which are held via Microsoft Teams.
Sharing best practice, ideas and experiences has been the driving force behind the continued relationships of all the members within the group. This is a forum where training can be advertised to all members which enables economies of scale and, therefore, cheaper quotes being achieved.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 13 May 2025, 10:00 am, Microsoft TEAMS
Regional Scrutiny Officer’s Network
Provides a forum for officers supporting overview and scrutiny in the 12 north eastern authorities. The network was established in 2000 and continues to provide officers the chance to share information on key priorities and ideas on improving scrutiny processes.
The network supports officers to make useful contacts with others, and to share experiences on the significant scrutiny topics, working methods, joint working, delivering outcomes, and scrutiny best practice.
Having skilled officers providing support to our non-executive Members continues to be important in these challenging times. The opportunity for officers to be involved in a collaborative network can support them in their day-to-day practices. The network offers real opportunities to further develop and enhance the role we undertake.
Date of next meeting : To be confirmed – Microsoft Teams
Joint Scrutiny Members/Officers
The Network provides a forum for elected members who have a role within the scrutiny function to meet, make useful contacts with other members and officers, and to share experiences. This includes sharing ideas on improving scrutiny processes and enhancing effectiveness. The Network provides a link between the north east authorities and the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny, for example where there is an impact on the scrutiny function of national policy developments.
The network works to forge relationships between scrutiny and partner organisations and commissioners, and council leaders or elected mayors and their executive colleagues. Most importantly for the future of scrutiny, the Network continues to consider the role of scrutiny within local government and how it adds value to public service provision.
Date of next meeting : To be confirmed – Microsoft Teams
Regional Payroll Network
The Payroll Officers’ network was established in 2017.
It meets regularly with all 12 councils supporting it.
Date of next meeting : Wednesday 21st May, 10:00 am, Microsoft Teams
Equalities and Diversity Network
The Equalities Network meets on a quarterly basis. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission has supported the Network for the past 11 years.
Date of next meeting : To be confirmed – Microsoft Teams
Chairs of Equality Staff Network
This network is for Chairs and Lead Officers of local network that focus on equalities issues within the 12 councils, Police and Fire Services in the region.
The purpose of the network is to support and promote the development of best practice amongst equality staff networks and staff network chairs. Also to help strengthen the role and voice of equality staff networks so that they can positively influence equality, diversity and inclusion within their respective organisations.
The group meets quarterly with a dedicated teams site established to remain in contact and share useful information in between meetings.
