Using your Staff Network Team

Your Staff Network Team is an online space where you can connect with other members of your network, join conversations, keep up with updates and find useful information. Whether you are new to Microsoft Teams or already use it regularly, this page covers the key things you need to know to get started with your Staff Network Team.

This guidance is for members of the Disability Staff Network, Women’s Staff Network, LGBTQ+ Staff Network, Multicultural Staff Network, Parents & Carers Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Sustainability Staff Network.

Note: Staff Networks are moving to Microsoft Teams at different times. You will be made aware when your network’s Team is readyto use

Find your Staff Network Team

Once your Staff Network has moved to Microsoft Teams, you will have access to a Team specifically for your network. This is where you will find conversations, announcements, events and useful resources.

1. Open Microsoft Teams.
2. Select Teams from the left-hand navigation.
3. Find and select your Staff Network Team. It will be the name of your specific network.

If you cannot see the Team, check the Hidden teams drop-down. If you still cannot find it and believe you should have access, contact your network lead.

You can watch the video below for a step-by-step visual guide.

Your channels

Each channel has a different purpose, helping you find the right place for conversations, updates and information. Before posting, check that you are using the channel that best matches what you want to share.

Posts and conversations

Posts and replies are how you can start conversations and take part in discussions with other network members.

Start a new post

Start a new post when you are beginning a new topic or conversation.

1. Open the relevant channel.
2. Select Post in channel.
3. Add a clear subject or opening line.
4. Write your message.
5. Add an @mention if someone needs to see or respond to it.
6. Select Post.

Before creating a new post, check whether someone has already started a conversation about the same topic.

Reply to a post

Use Reply when you want to continue an existing conversation.

1. Find the post you want to respond to.
2. Select Reply underneath it.
3. Write your response.
4. Select Send.

Remember: new topic = new post. Same topic = reply.

React to a post or reply

Reactions are a quick way to acknowledge a message without adding another reply.

1. Move your pointer over the post or reply.
2. Select the reaction you want to use.
3. Select More reactions if you want to choose a different reaction.

For example, you might use a reaction to show that you have seen an update or agree with a suggestion.

Use @mentions

Use an @mention when you specifically need someone to notice your post or reply.

1. Type @ followed by the person's name.
2. Select the correct person from the list.
3. Finish your message and send it.

You may also be able to @mention a channel when an important message needs the attention of the wider group.

Use @mentions only when someone's attention or action is needed. This helps avoid unnecessary notifications.

You can watch the video below for a step-by-step visual guide.

Video

Find something in a channel

Use search to quickly find a previous post, conversation or piece of information without scrolling through the channel.

To search within a channel:

1. Open the channel you want to search.
2. Select Channel details in the top-right of the channel.
3. Select Find in channel.
4. Enter a keyword or phrase.
5. Select the relevant result to open it.

You can also use Ctrl + F while viewing a channel.

Tip: try searching before starting a new post. Someone may already have asked the same question or shared the information you need.

You can watch the video below for a step-by-step visual guide.

Staff Network Teams etiquette

A few simple habits will help keep your Staff Network Team organised, welcoming and easy for everyone to use.

• Use the right channel. Put posts where other members would expect to find them.
• Search before posting. The information or conversation may already be there.
• Reply instead of creating a new post when you are continuing the same conversation.
• Make your topic clear. Use a meaningful subject or opening line.
• Keep posts focused. Try to keep each post about one main topic.
• Use @mentions carefully. Mention people when their attention or action is needed, rather than on every post.
• Keep conversations respectful and professional. Remember that channel posts can be seen by everyone with access to that channel.

Following these simple practices makes conversations easier to follow and information easier for everyone in your network to find.