Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer (Dorchester)

£36,922 – £42,821

Summary 

Based in the Chief Executive’s directorate and working with colleagues across the organisation, the Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer will play a crucial role in developing and implementing Dorset Council’s new EDI strategy. This role in based within the council’s communities and partnerships team. Dorset Council was created as a new unitary council in 2019 and places a high priority on equalities, diversity and inclusion, both within the organisation and within our local communities.

What you will be doing 

This role will involve coordinating and managing projects that will help to make Dorset Council a more inclusive employer, improve its engagement with community groups, and embed equalities in all aspects of the council’s work.

The Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Officer will also provide specialist and expert advice, guidance, challenge and support to managers and members on EDI matters, ensuring compliance with statutory duties, reporting obligations, and pursue best practice as a local government organisation and employer. 

About you  

We are seeking an outstanding individual with extensive experience of successfully delivering EDI projects and achieving change. You will have strong up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice, and experience of working on complex and sensitive issues in a political environment. We are seeking candidates with excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to build strong working relationships with a wide range of colleagues, partners and others. This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to make a real difference to the lives of Dorset residents.

This post requires you to have access to sensitive information and will be subject to a Basic Criminal Records Check. Please refer to our policy on the employment of ex-offenders for further information.

This post is subject to a DBS check, and there may also be occasions when the postholder is required to travel.

If you have any questions about this role or would like to discuss it further, please contact Jennifer Lowis on 07855 977 874 or email jennifer.lowis@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Working at Dorset Council 

This is a unique opportunity to join a brand new council in Dorset – home to the spectacular Jurassic Coast and thriving market towns and villages with a strong sense of community and identity. 

On 1 April 2019, five district and borough councils and the county council were replaced by the new Dorset Council which will deliver more efficient, accessible and modern public services.  

You will have the opportunity to build your career in a modern, flexible and inclusive organisation, and this is an exciting time to join – at the start of our journey together. 

For more information about our new council visit www.DorsetCouncil.gov.uk/about 

Dorset Council provides a framework to explain the behaviours expected from everyone who works, or volunteers, for Dorset Council regardless of their role or grade within the organisation, find more information about this here.

Dorset Council uses generic job descriptions and person specifications and therefore the job title in the attachments on the right may differ from the job title in the advert. Further specific information may be provided in a context statement where relevant.

For more information regarding Dorset Council’s rewards and benefits click here.

NB: You will be unable to view the job description and person specification forms after this vacancy has closed. We cannot accept CVs in place of an application form as we require the same range of information from all our candidates.

Dorset Council is committed to making our recruitment process barrier-free, and as inclusive as possible for everyone.

For more information on how to apply, please see this helpful guidance.