Divisional Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Partner

Location: South East England (Hybrid working available)
Salary: £48,000 – £57,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced EDI professional to lead and shape Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategy within a large, complex organisation in the higher education sector.

This is a high-impact role where you will:
Drive forward a division-wide EDI strategy and action plan
Partner with senior leaders to embed inclusive practices
Influence cultural change across multiple departments
Support accreditation against recognised EDI frameworks
You’ll work at both strategic and operational levels, acting as a trusted advisor while delivering tangible initiatives that improve staff and student experience.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategy & Leadership:
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of EDI strategy
Act as the subject matter expert, advising senior stakeholders
Shape inclusive culture initiatives across HR, research, education, and communications
Support governance through reporting to senior committees and boards

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence:
Build strong relationships across departments and external partners
Influence senior leaders to drive meaningful cultural change
Collaborate with HR, research teams, and external partners (including healthcare organisations)

Programme & Project Delivery:
Design and deliver EDI initiatives, training, and awareness programmes
Lead and coordinate departmental EDI action planning
Support teams in achieving EDI framework accreditations
Oversee cross-functional projects aligned to research and people strategies

Data, Insight & Reporting:
Analyse EDI data to identify trends and improvement areas
Translate insights into actionable recommendations
Present complex information clearly to diverse audiences

Policy & Best Practice:
Maintain expertise in EDI legislation and sector best practice
Support inclusive curriculum and research culture initiatives
Facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across teams

About You:
Essential Experience & Skills:
Proven experience delivering impact in an EDI-focused role
Strong understanding of EDI legislation, frameworks, and best practice
Experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives
Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
Excellent project management skills across multiple workstreams
Strong communication and presentation skills, including data storytelling
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex environment
Experience working within the Higher Education environment

Desirable:
Experience supporting EDI accreditations (e.g. Athena Swan)
Strong analytical skills (quantitative and qualitative)
Experience working in complex, decentralised organisations

Why Apply?
Opportunity to shape EDI strategy at scale
Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
Engage with diverse stakeholders across research, education, and operations
Flexible working and strong commitment to inclusion and wellbeing
Access to excellent professional development opportunities