Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Lead

We are seeking a passionate and experienced individual to join us as our EDI Lead.

As the EDI Lead, you will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing our EDI strategy, ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the centre of our organisational culture and operating model. You will be passionate about EDI, taking strategic ownership of our EDI initiatives and working with underrepresented Armed Forces Groups across the four nations to understand systemic barriers to welfare support. You will work collaboratively to embed these principles into all aspects of our operations to drive meaningful and systemic change within our organisation and sharing these learnings across military, health and third sectors.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, experienced in leading EDI initiatives within health and welfare settings, with knowledge and awareness of EDI legislation, policies and developing best practices. You will have the knowledge and experience to carry out co-production in non-oppressive ways. You will be able to translate complex ideas and visions into actionable plans and outcomes along with the interpersonal skills to communicate these to a range of stakeholders within our organisation and externally.

Experience of the Armed Forces community/military life would be advantageous.

Main duties of the job

·       Leading EDI activities, including extensive consultations and co-production forums with our beneficiaries, staff and partner organisations across the UK.

·       The purpose of these will be to identify needs, understand barriers experienced by our beneficiary groups locally, regionally and nationally (primarily the Armed Forces Community including serving, reservists, veterans and their families/carers), to inform organisational knowledge and develop best practices.

·       Develop and shape our EDI strategy to drive internal and external improvements in delivering services which are accessible to underrepresented Armed Forces groups as identified through co-production (we expect key focuses to be on those from racialised backgrounds, LGBT+, and those who are neurodivergent)

·       Lead the development of specific and measurable outcomes to support this strategy, undertaking audits and assessments of organisational processes and practices to ensure they embody positive EDI principles

·       Champion and build EDI networks for DMWS across the four nations, drawing on existing partnerships and establishing new ones to share knowledge and expertise across military, health and third sectors. Maintain these networks through knowledge sharing events.

·       Collaborate with stakeholders on the design, development, delivery and evaluation of interventions to build awareness, confidence and capability.

·       Create dialogue with the Senior Leadership Team, playing an active role within the delivery and implementation of EDI plans and objectives. This will include participating in the EDI Programme Board.

·       Analyse and interpret EDI data relating to the workforce and our beneficiary groups, ensuring our data is fit for purpose and reflective of needs.

·       Gather and summarise external EDI research and knowledge.

·       Identify the capability and learning needs of staff, including managers, in relation to EDI, to ensure that EDI legislation, guidance and best practice is embedded in DMWS culture, decision-making and practices

·       Highlight any needs, gaps and potential risks to the organisation in relation to EDI

·       Provide advice, information or signposting and provide a point of reference on all issues across the organisation relating to aspects of EDI, creating safe spaces for staff to reflect and learn

·       Work collaboratively with the DMWS Grant and Comms and Training teams to support the development of our Communications Strategy, including internal resources to support the DMWS EDI plans and objectives

·       Support the Grants and Communications Team to identify potential funding opportunities for future EDI developments and initiatives

·       Lead on writing grant reports in line with programme delivery and grant requirements including use of the funder’s data hub

·       Identify and collaborate with an external evaluator to support the programme’s evaluation

·       Lead in the development and delivery of a conference to share lessons learned

Applications close on Sunday 5th May 2024

To apply please submit a CV and covering letter explaining why you would be a good fit for the role. Please remember to click on ‘upload’ otherwise we may not receive your attachments. Applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence. Applications will be considered as they are submitted. DMWS reserve the right to close the application process early and feedback will only be provided to candidates who attend interviews.