The University of Manchester has embarked on an exciting programme of transformation on its approach to equality, diversity and inclusion. It aspires to be an inclusive learning organisation in which members of its community of 11,000 staff and 40,000 students are treated with respect and dignity.
As a Higher Education Institution we have specific equality duties, as outlined by The Equality Act (2010) and we are proud to strive to employ a workforce and educate a student body that reflects the diverse community we serve.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team is key to the development and empowerment of leaders, managers and staff in addressing inequalities, valuing diversity and in engendering an inclusive culture.
An opening has arisen for an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner to join the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team. This role is a 6 month Fixed Term role working within a team of EDI Partners and the wider EDI team to provide centralised support to colleagues across the University of Manchester to advise on EDI topics and support the delivery of the EDI Strategic Plan.
This role can also be undertaken on an internal secondment basis subject to agreement and in line with the Secondment policy.
The EDI team has a remit for both staff and students and provide guidance on equality related operational planning, policy development and implementation, and the application of equality legislation in the University context.
The team support several staff network groups and is responsible for the University’s Harassment Support Adviser Network and the Mediation Service.
We take the lead on a variety of awareness campaigns such as the ‘We Get It’ Campaign and often work in collaboration with colleagues from across the University, the Students Union and other Higher Education practitioners.
Working in line with University strategy and the equality objectives, as an EDI Partner you will work in partnership with designated business areas to support faculties, schools and directorates to achieve their equality objectives by sharing good practice, providing advice and supporting training activities. You will support research activities and produce written reports; interpret equality data; design and deliver training and provide advice, support and guidance to managers, students and staff and related partners regarding equality, diversity and inclusion related matters. You will also contribute to external award applications such as Athena SWAN, the Race Equality Chartermark and the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
We are looking for someone with experience of delivering change and implementing varied equality and diversity related initiatives within a large, complex environment and who can make a real contribution to the team.
You will also have a passion for and demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Experience of mediation would be beneficial, however full training for the right candidate will be provided.
1. Review equality related legislation and ensure the University is aware of its requirements as an employer, an educator and service provider and identify how these requirements will be met through the development and publication of the University’s equality objectives and equality information.
2. Work in partnership with designated business areas to empower managers, staff and support the implementation of equality related operational plans and provide advice and support on the application of equality legislation and University equality policies.
3. Analyse the University’s equality information for staff and students and contribute to the development of the University’s equality objectives ensuring they meet both legislative requirements and are strategically relevant to the University and its business objectives.
4. To work with senior members of staff in Faculties / PSS and attend regular meetings updating on specific targets and progress and respond to identified support needs.
5. Lead on policy development, policy influence and related procedures, including the interpretation of legislation and writing briefing papers.
6. Contribute to the delivery of cross University strategic and operational projects that support the student experience and HR centres of expertise.
7. Actively seek to work in collaboration with external bodies and colleagues from across the HEI sector on equality related projects that will serve to benefit the University.
8. Engage and Consult with managers, staff, student advisors, staff and student unions and external organisations on the development of equality related strategies, plans and policies - proactively identifying and seeking approval on necessary changes to ensure they are compliant with evolving equality legislation
9. Contribute to producing and publishing external equality related reports and provide advice on documents the University is required to produce. Including but not limited to the University’s Annual Monitoring Statement, the Research Excellence Framework Code of Practice, Access Agreement and Athena Swan applications.
10. Facilitate the University’s Harassment Support Advisor Network, advising on
the application of the Dignity at Work and Study Policy and addressing any
support requirements that arise.
11. Build relationships and work in partnership with colleagues and external providers to identify, design and deliver the necessary training and support for staff and students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage potentially complex situations.
14. Work with, facilitate and promote staff network groups, supporting existing
ones and where appropriate support the development of new ones.
15. In partnership with HR colleagues be responsible for the day to day management of the University’s Internal Mediation Service and the supervision of the University’s Network of Mediators.
16. School Mentoring Scheme Project Manager
When addressing the person specification criteria in your application for the role, please ensure you make reference to the specific role requirements above.
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and all appointments will be made on merit. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community who are currently under-represented at this level in this area.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Name: Mehrunnisa Lalani
Email: mehrunnisa.lalani@manchester.ac.uk
Email: hrservices@manchester.ac.uk
