We have adopted a flexible, hybrid working approach

The role
You will be a credible organisational champion for EDI, contributing to and promoting our vision to ensure that Lewisham Council is recognised as an inclusive employer where everyone shares in its success. Working in partnership with colleagues, you will lead on the development, implementation and embedding of EDI best practice across the Council: developing our people to integrate the principles and practice of EDI into their everyday work to achieve an inclusive culture.

Location
Based at our Council’s Headquarters in Laurence House, Catford, but with flexibility to work remotely when appropriate

What we’re looking for
You need to be able to provide specialist and expert advice, guidance, challenge and support to leaders to transform the Council’s work on equality, diversity and inclusion. You will also need to ensure compliance with statutory duties, reporting obligations, and pursue best practice as a local government organisation and employer.

You will need to:

• be able to work as a consultant/trusted co-operative partner (and coach/mentor where required)
• be an influential and persuasive communicator, with a high level of written and verbal communication skills, and a track record of fostering and sustaining partnerships
• work collaboratively across boundaries and achieve results through others at all levels
• be skilled in applying EDI principles: with capacity to work with varied levels of acceptance of EDI principles and practice
• have strong group process skills and a working knowledge of group dynamics; with a practical understanding of (e.g.) drivers of team and organisation performance
• have the ability to design workshops relevant to stages reached in an EDI initiative for change/improvement
• have strong facilitation skills for workshops, meetings and other learning where deployed
• be able to adopt an innovative approach to complex situations to generate new perspectives, react positively to problems and develop practical and effective solutions that meet the aims of the change
• have a good, practical understanding of internal communications required for promoting and embedding EDI, liaising effectively with Internal Communications personnel
• be able to use digital technology, including Microsoft Teams and other conferencing software.
• have a good practical grasp of data management software, including Excel spreadsheets, and ability to interpret data for management information purposes
• be able to design methods and a model for monitoring and analysing EDI compliance across the Council.

In return, we’ll offer excellent development opportunities, plus a range of benefits that includes a career average pension scheme, flexible working and the opportunity to make a real difference to our local community.