Job Ref: 212560878

Date: 2020-10-08 10:42:52

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We are currently looking for an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Compliance Advisor for our client, The Open University in Milton Keynes. This role is to start ASAP and will finish on 31st Jan 2021. You will be paid £33,797 – £36,914 per annum (pro rata).

This is a newly created role based in the EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) team and the role-holder will become a key influencer in the area of EDI. The Open University is the UK's largest university, and a world leader in flexible education. It combines a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, and ultimately transforming lives. EDI is at the heart of this mission to support our colleagues and students.

The landscape of EDI is evolving and therefore the purpose of the role is to provide compliance and EDI expertise within the Higher Education sector. The individual will be a strong communicator and able to work alongside various stakeholders to ensure that the OU's policies and practice are compliant with external legislation across four nations; Equality Act 2010; Charters and Industry Standards; and ensure that they promote the spirit of these.

Key responsibilities

To advise the Senior EDI and Wellbeing Manager on the design, development and implementation of the OU's Equality Scheme and action plan in line with changing needs and external requirements in EDI across the sector.

To research developments in Equality and Diversity legislation, policy and practice in the context of Higher Education and work jointly with the key teams e.g. staff and student policy teams and regulations team to create guidance.

To take accountability for the development and adherence of an EDI compliance framework that enables the University to monitor progress across staff and students.

To contribute to robust and effective compliance controls within the University.

Support the Senior EDI & Wellbeing Manager with reporting outcomes of audits and key risks to key senior groups: EDI Steering Group, Vice Chancellor Executive, People Services Leadership Team, etc.

Assist with the development and implementation of systems for reporting any incidents of discrimination, harassment or bullying and monitor and report on cases to the senior management team in collaboration with the Policy and Employee Relations teams.

To collaborate with various stakeholders across staff and student teams and advise upon recommendations for remedial action, so that the OU is demonstrating evidence-based cutting- edge practice.

To advise and collaborate with key stakeholders and functions; such as MI team, Governance and Policy so that the University is compliant with regular reports and commitments e.g. Annual EDI report.

In liaison with senior managers and Policy team ensure that an Equality Impact Assessments are undertaken when new policies, processes and plans are developed or where there are significant changes to existing ones.

Assist in the gathering of internal information in response to regulatory requests.

Be part of the EDI team and provide broader EDI support as required commensurate with the level of the post.

Skills and Experience

Substantial knowledge of the Equality Act and other relevant legislation across four nations and its application within Higher Education.

Proven experience of developing compliance reports, audit frameworks and expertise across EDI policies that have a measurable outcome.

Experience of providing expert EDI guidance to a broad spectrum of stakeholders and forums.

Proven experience of using insight (qualitative and quantitative) to form frameworks and feed remedial action plans.

Excellent written and oral skills, able to adapt communication style, build relationships and challenge upwards as appropriate.

Demonstrable track record of managing competing priorities effectively and utilising sound judgement to manage situations without compromising service delivery and outputs.

Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively across teams.

If you have the relevant skills / experience and would like to apply, please send your CV today

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