The University of Glasgow is seeking an experienced EDI professional to strategically lead and champion an integrated approach to equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives across our staff and student populations.

The Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is responsible for leading on the design, development and implementation of the University’s solutions to complex equality, diversity and inclusion challenges within the framework of relevant legislation and best practice. The post holder will be responsible for the effective development and application of people qualitative and quantitative data to measure impact and shape ongoing associated initiatives that cut across the university, whilst also leading a team in the operational delivery of equality, diversity and inclusion projects, service advice and to support institutional policy development. This will also encompass the student agenda in support of inclusivity for all.

The Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion will liaise across all levels of the University up to and including the Vice Chancellor and the University Court. This will include building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including the Senior Management Group (SMG), the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), other HE Institutions and external partners.

As a senior member of the People & Organisational Development Team, the Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion will play a pivotal role in providing strategic support, developing and advancing organisational equality and diversity strategy, ensuring that it supports the strategic development and vision of the University for colleagues and students.

If you are an inspiring leader with a passion for embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of an organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Job Purpose

Strategically lead and champion an integrated approach to equality, diversity and inclusion for the University encompassing both our colleague and student populations ensuring our EDI strategic priorities are fully developed, implemented and embedded in University strategy and policies, in the realisation of strategic deliverables and organisational objectives. Actively lead and support the University in fulfilling and exceeding our legislative obligations and nurture our values-led inclusive culture through collaborative working and fostering a learning environment that is commensurate with our World Changing Glasgow ambitions. Provide strategic leadership, oversight and direction to the Equality and Diversity Team within the People & OD Service and act as a focal point for EDI related information, advice and guidance across our community of leaders, managers, colleagues and students.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.      Responsible for creating the vision and strategy to successfully deliver integrated and mutually reinforcing sector-leading EDI initiatives, strategies, services and interventions.

2.      Provide strategic leadership and advice that stretches a broad portfolio of equality, diversity and inclusion agendas that support the University’s aims and objectives as detailed in the University Strategy and the People & Organisational Development Strategy.

3.      Partner with SMG, CMGs, PSG, our equality champions, senior managers, POD services, and student representatives to inform and shape the alignment of the equality and diversity strategy and its associated aims and objectives, through effective implementation plans, reporting to key organisational bodies within the institution (e.g. Committees, SMG or Court) on action and progress.

4.      Work across portfolios to effectively align colleagues and student equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives/activities to ensure their complementarity in conveying a shared focus on outcomes and success.

5.      Develop and apply key people information metrics, to drive and shape progressive change across our equality, diversity and inclusion imperatives to evidence positive impact across the University community.

6.      Provide leadership support and specialist advice in the EDI sphere to SMG in the strategic delivery of key organisational initiatives, e.g. Scottish Funding Council Agreement, Athena SWAN, REF submissions, etc.

7.      Responsible for the University’s engagement and delivery of equality charters, identified campaigns, events and initiatives, working closely with other key teams across the University, such as Student & Academic Services, External Services and People & OD.

8.      Work with senior leaders and stakeholders to embed inspiring sector leading practice across the University to deliver outcomes which close equality gaps, dismantle discrimination and embed sustained outcomes across our community.

9.      Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership teams across the University on aspects of human rights and equality related legislation to manage risk beyond compliance, with a view to improving sector-led approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion.

10.   Work with the Chief Operating Officer, Court and other key stakeholders to support the embedding of equality, diversity and inclusion practice in University governance framework, structure and standards.

11.   To lead and manage the equality, diversity and inclusion team, to include responsibility for the management of budgets associated with equality, diversity and inclusion imperatives.

12.   Act as lead representative on a wide range of university committees.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge/Qualification

Essential:

A1 Degree or equivalent qualification, discipline is not important. Postgraduate qualification is desirable particularly in a relevant field along with membership of a relevant professional body.

A2 Substantial knowledge and understanding of current employment and equality legislation, including knowledge of good EDI practices.

A3 Knowledge and understanding of Equality Charters (e.g. Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter, Scottish Funding Council Agreements).

Skills

Essential:

C1 Ability to influence and lead cultural change within the organisation.

C2 Excellent communication skills, oral and written. Ability to effectively liaise and stimulate action/outcome focused engagement with articulate and empowered audiences with high levels of autonomy.

C3 Ability to deal effectively with colleagues and student leaders across the organisation. Political astuteness and awareness in anticipating the impacts of changing government policy.

C4 Ability to negotiate and foster cooperation to effect buy-in.

C5 Ability to gather, interpret and effectively apply data and metrics.

C6 Ability to develop and plan the Unit’s workload & prioritise appropriately.

C7 Excellent statistical analysis skills.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Proven record as a senior EDI professional, working in a senior role in an EDI related role, designing and developing best practice services, ensuring the equality function is fit for purpose and aligned  with strategic imperatives and priorities.

E2 Evidence of effectively engaging, nurturing and developing key stakeholder relationships and building capability, performance and capacity to engage and deliver organisational objectives.

E3 Proven track record of project management across the equality, diversity and inclusion sphere, with experience of working with multiple client groups.

E4 Experience of delivering subject matter expertise and sector leading impact/s.

E5 Experience of successful policy development/review and implementation.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 9, £59,139 - £66,537 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension , benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

  Closing date: 23:45 on Monday 14th April 2025