Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer About the role To lead on the development of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, and on the overall co-ordination, assurance and monitoring of the Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. The post holder will be recognised as a key point of contact for all equality, diversity and inclusion matters and will provide guidance and support to officers and equality champions to ensure that Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is embedded, celebrated and promoted throughout the Council. Lead the development, implementation and embedding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and strategies across the Council, working with Elected Members, officers, partners, community groups and residents to ensure the Council’s commitment to equality and diversity is fully realised and fully complies with the national and statutory framework. It will be important to present research findings back to senior staff and elected members, via the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board, tailoring the means of communication to the scale/ scope of the work e.g. this could be a formal presentation, a briefing note or a summary email. Working independently the post holder will be responsible for the initiation of a number of complex and unique pieces of work. By leading on these pieces of work the post holder will involve managing the input of others; it will require building strong relationships with service managers, staff from across the organisation and external partners. Some of these research pieces will develop into corporate priority strategies, policies and initiatives for the Council. A key part of this work will be to identify best practice from across other Local Authorities, public sector bodies and external organisations and to build relationships with the relevant people from these organisations. There is a wealth of untapped resource across the public sector; it will be a part of the post holder’s responsibility to take advantage of these resources to inform Cheshire East projects/ initiatives. The post holder will be required to lead on policy briefings for equality, diversity and inclusion matters. The post holder will deliver assigned defined programmes; examples of this include the organisations refresh of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, training on and the audit of equality impact assessments and ensuring that equality diversity and inclusion is incorporated into the delivery of change and other transformational projects. It is expected that there will need to be a strong co-ordination role liaising with all parts of the organisation, and in particular Heads of Service and Directors. To promote equality and reduce discrimination within Cheshire East, acting as an advocate for and presenting the needs of members of ethnic minority groups, the LGBTQ community, those affected by age or disability and to act as an organisational expert for all matters concerning those who share one or more protected characteristic. About You You will have Extensive knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues and opportunities within a local authority A high degree of interpersonal skills Effective teamwork and communication skills The ability to converse at ease with internal and external stakeholders A flexible approach to work About us Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we can offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities. At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future – together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities. How to apply If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you. To apply for the role please click apply for this job at the bottom of the page, or, for or an informal chat about the role please contact Phil Christian on 01270 686414. We reserve the right to close any vacancy sooner than the advertised closing date, should a suitable candidate be found. Early application is therefore advisable. Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however, please do not be discouraged from applying again. For any technical enquiries please email sourcingteamecwip.co.uk Please quote job reference number in all correspondence Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we are able to offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities. At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future – together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities. If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future - together. Brighter Future www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/employee-benefits.aspx What we give in return ENHANCED ANNUAL LEAVE - 34 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) from day 1, increasing up to 39 days after only 5 years' service ENHANCED PUBLIC PENSION - A career average pension (contributions built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay FLEXIBLE WORKING PATTERN - 37-hour standard full time working week with flexi time and hybrid/remote working arrangements PURCHASE OF ANNUAL LEAVE - The ability to purchase up to 10 days' extra annual leave each year in addition to your normal annual leave entitlements (this is pro-rata for part time staff) CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME - Receive up Income Tax and National Insurance savings of up to 25-39% off the retail price of the bike and safety equipment package (savings dependent on the value of your chosen package and your tax status EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME - A completely free to use and confidential assistance service for all employees to help staff manage, reduce and overcome the impact of life issues which they may experience from time to time, both within work and their personal life PAID VOLUNTEER LEAVE – Up to two days paid leave per year to volunteer for local organisations in the borough of Cheshire East VIRGIN MEDIA AND O2 DISCOUNTS - Exclusive discounts on Virgin Media Broadband and O2 pay monthly plans. DISCOUNTED GYM MEMBERSHIPS - Access to corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure which includes: • Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities • Off-Peak Racket Sports • Athletics Tracks • Sauna/Steam/Spa To find out more about our rewards and benefits package, please click www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/employee-benefits.aspx Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however please do not be discouraged from applying again. For any technical enquiries please email sourcingteamecwip.co.uk Please quote job reference number in all correspondence.