Issues of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) have shaped the RSPB since its inception in 1889. 132 years later these issues are more relevant than ever; the natural world has been pushed to its limits and humanity’s increasing destruction of nature is having devastating consequences not just for wildlife and the climate, but for the wellbeing of people. 

We know that, to tackle the nature and climate emergency, we need to enable more, and more diverse people to act for nature. And as conservation is one of the least diverse sectors in the UK, we are committed to not only improving our workplace and its culture, but also driving forward EDI as it is our responsibility towards a sustainable future for people and nature together.

This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining the organisation; we have been working since July last year to rescope our approach to EDI and setting up a formal programme that will weave through everything the organisation does, at every level and will underpin our new strategy to 2030. 

What's the job about?

Recognising that people are at the heart of delivering this, we have an exciting opportunity for a talented person to join the RSPB. Reporting to the Head Transformation, you will be a compelling leader with extensive experience in delivering results through people.

As Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), you will be a subject matter expert, working collaboratively to lead the transformation in behaviours and skills required to make the RSPB a more inclusive, diverse and welcoming place for all.

You will develop close relationships with a wide array of stakeholders across the organisation, setting direction, creating opportunities and giving advice to drive the change towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. You will also build and manage relationships with external partners, working with and learning lessons from others whilst building our reputation as a committed and progressive conservation charity.

Key deliverables will include:

• Taking the strategic lead on ensuring that the EDI Action Plan is delivered effectively and efficiently
• Engaging with Senior Leaders across the organisation on a regular basis to support the implementation of their EDI action plan
• Work with relevant stakeholders in the RSPB to ensure that our work with the public, supporters and visitors reflects our commitment to EDI
• Tracking and evaluating the key performance indicators through which the charity will be able to judge the success of its EDI action plan and reporting these to the Executive Board
• Engaging and influencing policy reviews, best practice reports and exemplars, connecting the RSPB to the latest policy thinking around EDI
• Preparing briefings for stakeholders on key issues concerning EDI
• Supporting the Learning and Development team in creating a senior manager EDI development programme
• Support senior leaders to role model inclusive leadership behaviours
• Work with the EDI Team and others to develop key organisational initiatives (both external and internal).
• Anticipating and keeping up to date with current thought pieces, social, ethical and political movements, trends, legislation and policy in the EDI field, including maintaining an up to date knowledge of EDI policy and practice
• Sharing best practice on equality and diversity within the organisation and with relevant external groups

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who can role model successful leadership behaviours which foster an environment of collaboration, compassion and support. You will have experience of successful leadership of change to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in an organisation or in a community or movement building setting. You will not only be a good influencer and leader but also have a track record of developing and implementing a strategy with demonstrable results, working with others to achieve results through your teams.

This is a great opportunity for a passionate and credible advocate of equality, diversity and inclusion, who has an understanding of equality and diversity legislation, issues and good practice as well as what it takes to foster an inclusive culture and to play a key leadership role in a highly respected national charity.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome all applications, but we would particularly welcome applications from people of colour, those living with a disability or have another protected characteristic and we value the positive impact and diversity that your lived experience can bring to our organisation.

Essential experience, skills and knowledge:

• Experience of leadership of change to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in an organisation or community or movement building setting
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present, influence and represent the organisation
• Skills which enable the creation of inclusive and sustainable solutions in collaboration with the workforce
• Skills to manage conflict and organisational politics
• Ability to influence others, build partnerships and negotiate
• An excellent knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion acquired through experience or formal education and/or qualifications
• An ability to provide expert advice to a range of stakeholders

Desirable experience, skills and knowledge:

• Project management skills to plan and manage projects, manage risks, costs, time and project teams
• Management of people and teams

This is a Permanent, Full Time role for 37.5 hours per week. For further information please contact Sally.Rayner@rspb.org.uk.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position in September 2021. 

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a full application including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.