Job Description
Head of EDI (Behaviour and Culture Change)
Lead Transformational Culture Change at One of the World’s Top Universities
At UCL – London’s Global University, we are committed to creating a university community that is inclusive, respectful, and reflective of the diverse world we serve. We are now seeking an assured, experienced and visionary Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Behaviour and Culture Change) to play a vital role in shaping our institution-wide culture change agenda.
With a new 5-year EDI strategy launching in 2025, this senior leadership post is an opportunity to drive impactful, measurable behavioural change in one of the most complex and influential academic environments in the world.
About the role
This role sits within the HR Directorate and will lead the strategic design and delivery of university-wide behaviour and culture change initiatives. You’ll champion EDI values, oversee learning and development programmes, and act as a critical partner in embedding EDI across policies, practices and governance structures.
You’ll also lead UCL’s work on religion and belief inclusion, anti-harassment campaigns, and responses to sensitive, high-profile EDI matters that affect staff and students.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Lead and embed a clear strategic vision for behavioural and cultural change at scale within a large, federated institution.
* Foster a collaborative, accountable and purpose-driven team culture, empowering EDI professionals through coaching, mentoring and clear developmental pathways.
* Represent the EDI team at senior boards and committees, confidently navigating governance and institutional dynamics.
* Partner with senior leaders across UCL to co-create solutions, challenge barriers, and embed EDI accountability across functions.
* Design and deliver evidence-based interventions that go beyond training and communication to drive real behavioural shifts.
* Navigate and manage sensitive EDI issues, including belief conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and changes in legal or policy environments with clarity, empathy and institutional awareness.
* Provide strong operational leadership while contributing to the overall leadership of the EDI Departmentand its long-term impact.
About you
We are seeking a candidate who combines strategic vision with empathetic, values-led leadership and practical delivery expertise. You will bring:
* A proven ability to lead behaviour and culture change initiatives in large, complex organisations
* Demonstrated success managing and developing high-performing, empowered teams
* Expertise in stakeholder engagement, with experience working closely with senior leaders to shape institutional initiatives
* Deep understanding of the challenges in federated governance structures and the ability to build alignment across diverse communities and departments
* Experience managing multiple high-profile, sensitive EDI matters with political, legal and reputational implications
* A long-term approach to change, grounded in behavioural science and systemic thinking
* A strong appreciation of higher education and understanding of academic communities, even if your experience lies outside the sector
If you're a collaborative and courageous leader who wants to shape the future of equality, diversity and inclusionin higher education, we want to hear from you.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
* 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
* Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
* Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
* Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
* Relocation scheme for certain posts
* On-site gym
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
#J-18808-Ljbffr