Head of Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

To act as the custodian of the College’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Vision; to provide, implement and deliver solutions to complex equality, diversity, and inclusion challenges and to ensure the provision of a high standard of advice, support, guidance and delivery across the College on EDI matters.

In collaboration with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group (EDIG) committee members, the Head of EDI will also play a key role in the delivery of training and other College-wide events to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The Head of EDI will be proactive and keep abreast with developments in equality, diversity, and inclusion across the Higher Education sector and beyond, and any changes in relevant legislation, including local and national initiatives.

This postholder is responsible for ensuring the College meets its EDI duties, and that equality, diversity and inclusion supports and enables the pursuit of excellence for all stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Chair of EDIG.
• Responsibility for the ongoing development of a College-wide Equality, Diversity and Inclusive strategic plan and to embed it into all College and Department plans.
• Liaising with EDIG, to create and maintain a culture that is socially inclusive, equal and values diversity.
• Provide ongoing advice and guidance to all committee members on equality, diversity and inclusion and in the execution of their committee membership duties.
• In collaboration with HR and Student Support and Development, support with the annual planning of training events on equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
• Produce reports providing advice and/or creative solutions for management consideration, and when required, facilitating initiatives.
• Produce the annual equality, diversity and inclusion report for ExCo/NCHNL Board for publication once approved by the Board.
• Provide biannual updates to management and the College on the delivery of the EDI Strategic Vision and relevant elements.
• Work with committee members to develop and implement a range of intervention programmes to support the portfolio of equality, diversity and inclusion, incorporating the advancement and use of the race equality agenda to attract, retain and develop a growing diversity of both staff and students.
• Collaborate with the Widening Participation Officer to increase the diversity of the student body, through the actions identified in the College’s Access and Participation Plan and be a member of the Fair Access and Participation Strategy Group.
• Represent the College at relevant national and regional conferences, networks and meetings regarding EDI; developing external networks that will support the EDI Strategic Vision.
• Represent the London-campus in the Northeastern University network, and identify opportunities to align and collaborate, where appropriate.
• Provide advice and guidance to the College regarding equality, diversity and inclusion that will enhance both our internal and external reputation as an employer and educational provider.
• Lead EDIG on assisting the Quality Team in reviewing the College’s policies and procedures, ensuring that these are all inclusive.
• Support the College’s departments and groups to manage the institution’s operational risks around EDI.
• Support and advise HR, Student Recruitment and Marketing teams to help create a brand that appeals to diverse applicants and removes bias.
• Manage an annual budget to implement EDIG projects and related activities identified by the committee.

Person specification criteria

• Experience of EDI across the UK and international HE Sector [E]
• Excellent leadership qualities [E]
• Experience with committee chairing [E]
• Creative and innovative problem solver [E]
• Excellent interpersonal skills [E]
• High level organisational and time management skills [E]
• Excellent oral, written communication, and presentation skills [E]
• Excellent networking skills and ability to work independently [E]

Application process

Applications should be made viathis link by 20:00 on 5th October 2022. Please reference your application “EDI0922”.

Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page detailing your experience in the area of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and a full curriculum vitae.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone.