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