Head of Equality and Policy Full Time

University and College Union

UCU have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Equality and Policy to join their team.

Job Ref: HE1

Location: London (NW1)

Salary: £86,000 p.a. including London Allowance

Job Type: Full – Time, permanent

Close Date: 21st of June 2024 at 10:00am

About Us:

The University and College Union (UCU) represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post-school education also belong to UCU.

Head of Equality and Policy – The Role:

UCU is seeking a Head of Equality and Policy to lead our Equality and Policy Department, ensuring strategic and operational objectives are met. Reporting to the General Secretary and based at our Head Office in London NW1, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team.

Head of Equality and Policy – Key Responsibilities:

– Managing and overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Equality and Policy Department and managing a team of employees

– Taking lead responsibility for the development and implementation of UCU’s strategies and policies in relation to both equality and post-16 education

– Responsibility for the production of specialist support and advice on equality and education policy issues to national, regional and branch officials as well as various lay member committees

– Representing UCU externally on policy and equality issues

– Supporting FE and HE staff, as appropriate, in negotiations with national and local employees on specific equality policies and procedures

– Undertaking media work, including writing, advising and liaising with reporters, in accordance with the union’s media protocol

Head of Equality and Policy – You:

The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar environment, preferably within a trade union or non-profit, and knowledge of anti-discrimination laws, best practices, and current trends. Additional requirements include:

-Significant experience of successfully leading, managing and developing a team of employees

– A deep understanding of, and commitment to, equality and diversity issues and how they affect different sections of UCU’s membership

-Knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of bargaining, campaigning and organising

-Familiarity with current issues and political trends in post-16 education

-Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels

Head of Equality and Policy – Benefits:

– 35 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and 8 closure days (pro-rata for part-time staff)

– Disability leave and special leave arrangements

– Enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave)

– Employee Assistance Programme with 24-hour confidential counselling

– Access to senior chartered physiotherapist through the Physiotherapy Advice Line

– Flexitime scheme for varied start/finish times and lunch breaks (by agreement)

– Enrolment in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) with contributions (employee: 6.1%, employer: 14.5%)

– Interest-free season ticket loans for second-class travel

– Assistance with the cost of an eyesight test and basic glasses for DSE use

– Training and development support with access to over 300 eLearning modules via UCU’s online training room

Further information:

We welcome all applications, especially from women and Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates who are underrepresented at this grade in UCU. If interested, join an online briefing about the role and working at the Union on 13 June from 1pm to 2pm. Details on how to apply are on the vacancies page of our website. Please let us know by noon on 12 June if you’d like to attend. Attendance at the briefing is not required to apply.

Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring:

We welcome applications from disadvantaged communities to ensure our workforce is diverse. Even if not selected, please complete the diversity and inclusion data when applying to help us encourage a diverse range of candidates.

Equal Opportunities:

UCU is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Application Process:

We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard form. Please see the advert on our website for further details.

To submit your application for this exciting Head of Equality and Policy opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now.

Closing date for applications is the 21st of June 2024 at 10am. Interviews will take place on the 23rd of July 2024.