EDI Programme Lead

Job Description

Reporting to: Chief People Officer

Band: 3.3

Salary: £66,000 - £70,000

Role type: FTC 9 months (9 day fortnight)

Location: London or Milton Keynes (minimum of two days a week in the office. You can do more than two days if preferable)

Role Purpose:

We are looking for an experienced Equality Diversity and Inclusion specialist to join Connected Places Catapult (CPC). Working companywide and with senior sponsors, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief People Officer, this role is the custodian of our EDI strategic framework.

You will be joining us as at a great time, where our framework has been defined with the Board but now needs to be brought to life with ownership across the business for impact in the short, mid and long term.

Importantly, you will bring focus to how CPC “walks the walk” and help leaders and teams to embed EDI across everything we do.

How EDI applies to all of our projects is key. So we are looking for experience of implementing equalities impact assessments as a part of project development.

You will also be expert in the application of EDI across our markets and with a customer focus. You will be shaping positive EDI change for business outcomes as well as our colleague journey.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Finalise and lead the delivery of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategic framework through ambitious but achievable implementation plans.
• Refine plans to provide clarity on required activities and/or resources with attention to factors such as cost effectiveness, feasibility and ease of integration with other corporate programmes.
• Draw on technical specialist knowledge and experience to proactively identify and guide the business in managing EDI risks, issues and dependencies.
• Support the senior executive sponsors and relevant working/steering groups with their governance and accountability for EDI activity, providing high quality and timely reporting updates.
• Build a trusted adviser status with internal and external stakeholders. Connect and engage regularly, including through effective chairing of meetings, regular updates and management of issues.

• Be the change agent for EDI at CPC – able to influence, educate and engage with colleagues and our Champions Network.
• Develop and maintain EDI communications, resources and tools.
• Advocate for inclusive design in products, services, and customer interactions to ensure accessibility and representation.
• Work with the Head of Sustainability to align plans and approaches, helping shape social value impact
• Be a visible, outgoing inclusion educator and ally ensuring regular communication and learning.
• Shape relevant assessments of our EDI performance, utilising data to drive continuous improvement and identify opportunities.
• Ensure we focus on compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to diversity and inclusion including applying equalities impact assessments to our projects.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a diversity and inclusion leadership role, with a strong track record of developing and implementing successful EDI programmes.
• Deep understanding of EDI principles, theories, and best practices.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Experience in leveraging technology and digital platforms to enhance EDI training, communication and engagement.
• Experience of influencing delivery through matrix and/or informal networks whilst in a standalone role
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in using data to drive decision-making.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and professionalism.
• Great relationship builder, confident and be able to work across a variety of responsibilities and initiatives, with pace and credibility
• Qualifications in diversity and inclusion, project management, organisational development, or related field preferred.

Benefits

• 9 day fortnight for everyone, we have a full company shutdown every other Friday.
• 23.5 holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro-rata calculations for part-time employees, along with a Christmas shutdown period for additional days off.
• Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future.
• Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro-rata for part-time employees) to support charitable activities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members.
• Cycle to Work Scheme with bike racks and showers available, encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute.
• Cash Health Plan, offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well-being.
• Payroll Giving scheme, allowing regular charitable contributions from pre-tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations.
• Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities.

Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.