Equality and Engagement Officer – South West, South Central
We are seeking an Equality and Engagement Officer to support the Equality Manager in delivering our Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) objectives and strengthen engagement across Approved Premises (APs). The post holder must be able to travel within South West, South Central and be on-site in APs at least three (3) days per week. Please apply only to the South West, South Central campaign where you can meet this on-site requirement; occasional national travel may also be required.
Responsibilities
* Deliver EDIB activity: Support implementation of the equality plan and contribute to the Community Accommodation Service EDIB strategy and HMPPS Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Action Plan at regional level.
* Engage APs and stakeholders: Complete regular site visits to APs in South West, South Central; liaise with staff and people living in APs around equality, diversity and engagement activities; share updates via appropriate channels (forums, focus groups, newsletters).
* Equality advice & analysis: Provide support and advice (via the Equality Manager) to stakeholders on Equality Analysis and EDIB queries; act as a point of contact for staff networks.
* EPoP alignment: Share and action activities from Engaging People on Probation (EPoP) plans; maintain communication with EPoP Leads in the area, embedding engagement into practice.
* Wellbeing and Mental Health: Support the implementation of the HMPPS Wales & CAS Wellbeing Plan and champion and signpost Mental Health Allies.
* Communications & awareness: Promote and support the annual calendar of awareness events; produce and disseminate equalities communications across the region to a variety of stakeholders.
* Partnership & networks: Work in partnership with staff network, external stakeholders and workstream leads to embed equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging in day‑to‑day practice.
* Meetings & representation: Organise and co‑chair Equality & Engagement meetings and events as agreed.
* Data, systems & admin: Maintain online business administration systems such as SharePoint; use MS Office/Teams to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation.
* Note: Duties may evolve over time in line with business needs.
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Working Together, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Statement of Suitability
As part of your application, please provide a statement of suitability (maximum 500 words) explaining why you are well suited to the role of Equality and Engagement Officer. Your statement should include relevant examples and address the following areas:
* Experience of supporting the delivery of equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging objectives at a local, regional or organisational level.
* Experience of engaging with staff, staff networks or representative groups, including supporting inclusive engagement, responding to feedback and helping ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
* Experience of acting as a point of contact for enquiries relating to equality, diversity and/or inclusion, including signposting and providing advice.
* Able to frequently travel regionally and nationally to meet business need.
* Proven administration and management support experience; strong communication skills.
* Ability to confidently engage with a wide range of staff and people on probation. Minute‑taking and meeting organisation/co‑chairing experience; confident preparing and delivering presentations.
* IT literacy (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and strong MS Teams skills; able to gather/collate information effectively.
Desirable:
* Experience in an equalities‑focused role; knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and of the Probation Service.
Benefits
* Annual Leave – 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service (plus public holidays). Leave for part‑time and job‑share posts calculated pro‑rata.
* Pension – The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Policies are available at www.gmpf.org.uk.
* Training – The Ministry of Justice offers an extensive range of staff development and training opportunities.
* Networks – Opportunity to join employee‑run networks (minority ethnic origin, disability, caring responsibilities, women, LGBTI+).
* Eligibility – All candidates subject to security and identity checks before posting. Family‑friendly policies (reduced hours, job share), voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts.
* Family support – Eligibility for childcare vouchers, government childcare support schemes (Tax‑Free Childcare). More info: www.gov.uk, www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
* Paid parental leave – Paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
* Health – Free annual sight tests for employees using computer screens.
Additional Information
Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. Recruitment is by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. If you feel the recruitment process has breached the principles, you may raise a formal complaint via the designated channels.
Disability Confident employer: The MoJ commits to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and workplace.
Diversity & Inclusion: The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. Initiatives such as the Veterans interview scheme and the Redeployment Interview Scheme are supported.
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