Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer

About the job

Interview Date - 24 July 2025

We are seeking a dedicated and professional person to champion passionate Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) across our organisation. You will play a key part in fostering an inclusive environment, promoting the benefits of EDI and driving meaningful change.

The post holder will play a leading role in shaping and delivering plans to strengthen inclusivity across our organisation and embed inclusion in all that we do at the university.

Reporting directly to the EDI Manager, the main responsibilities will include:

• Providing efficient administrative assistance for EDI projects, committees and working groups, including coordinating meetings, preparing reports, presentations and maintaining records.
• Assist the EDI Team in the strategic planning, implementation and oversight of EDI policies, procedures and initiatives, ensuring objectives are delivered and deadlines are met.
• Enhance the creation of templates, reports and guidance documents to strengthen inclusivity efforts across the organisation.
• Coordinate EDI projects ensuring that information is shared effectively across the organisation.
• Help coordinate workshops, training sessions and awareness campaigns related to diversity and inclusion to help promote the University's internal and external reputation as an institution committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Build and maintain relationships with the University’s Staff Networks and other key stakeholder groups to understand EDI-related concerns and feed these into decision-making processes as relevant.
• Maintain the Diversity and Inclusion calendar and create an annual schedule for EDI events, e.g. Black history month, LGBTQ+ history month, Disability History month
• Work closely with staff diversity networks to organise events around our EDI calendar
• Help raise awareness of EDI issues among staff and students by coordinating working groups, training sessions, briefings, and utilising various communication channels.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

About you

You will be committed to promoting EDI and the benefits it will bring, with demonstrable experience in improving the EDI focus of an organisation. You will also have;

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with experience of managing competing priorities
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of assisting equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives within an organisational setting.
• Knowledge of the EDI legislative framework
• Experience of assisting policy review, development and implementation
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to understand, analyse, interpret, and present data to inform action planning
• Experience of facilitating engaging training or delivering presentations
• Effective communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders with the proven ability to influence, negotiate and a persuasive approachable manner

Qualifications

Essential;

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

Desirable;

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent relevant experience
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Department

The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) team is part of the Equality and Access Team within the Vice Chancellor’s Office and is responsible for driving our commitment to being an inclusive University.

About us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON