Head of DEI

The Team

Cundall’s HR team provides exceptional people support to our highly skilled engineering and support teams worldwide. We are leading in creative, sustainable design solutions, and to meet our growing organizational demands, we are seeking a Head of DEI to advance our goal of being the most inclusive consultancy in our industry, offering an unmatched employee experience. Cundall is a values-driven, people-focused organization with a strong emphasis on culture and our people. This is a great time to join HR as we drive a high-performance culture through our Global People Strategy. The role can be based at our Head Office in Newcastle or at your nearest Cundall office in the UK. We promote agile working, so expect a mix of home and office work, with travel required to engage with key stakeholders.

The Role

The Head of DEI provides strategic leadership and practical implementation of DEI initiatives within our Global People Strategy, fostering a positive work environment where all employees can thrive. This role involves advising senior leaders across UKI, Europe, MENA, and APAC regions and offers an excellent opportunity to influence D+I, culture, and social value impact globally and locally.

• Develop and implement Cundall’s DEI strategy, ensuring regional relevance.
• Engage with DEI communities (LGBTQ+, gender inclusion, ethnicity, neurodiversity) and maintain constructive dialogue with leadership.
• Foster a supportive environment, valuing individual differences and amplifying employee voices through DEI initiatives.
• Build relationships with leaders to promote inclusive behaviours and decisions.
• Collaborate with HR to assess and enhance policies, practices, and initiatives for positive DEI and cultural outcomes, considering geographical contexts.
• Evaluate the employee lifecycle to identify and remove barriers to progression.
• Prepare regular reports on DEI metrics, including pay gaps, representation, promotions, and exits.
• Use data to set targets and develop action plans for improved representation.
• Partner with external organizations to access diverse talent and adhere to best practices.
• Advise on individual DEI-related cases, such as accessibility issues.
• Enhance DEI understanding through activities like mentoring, communications, events, and L&D programs.
• Maintain Cundall’s external reputation as a DEI leader through contributions to bids, tenders, and external materials.
• Identify external standards and charters to demonstrate commitment and drive internal progress.
• Contribute to social value strategies aligned with DEI and talent initiatives.
• Conduct EQIAs and provide DEI insights for leadership decision-making in new and existing markets.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging DEI issues and translate insights into actionable strategies.

The Skills

This role suits someone with prior HR leadership experience in D&I and broader HR expertise. The ideal candidate is a credible communicator and problem solver, capable of influencing organizational culture positively through initiatives aligned with our commercial goals. Degree-level education or professional accreditation (e.g., Chartership) or equivalent experience. Proven knowledge of UK and international equality, diversity, and human rights legislation. Extensive expertise in DEI and change management, with practical application through strategies, plans, and policies. Experience in a similar role within a complex international professional services organization.

Your career at Cundall

We believe a diverse workforce and inclusive culture are essential for excellence. Creating environments where everyone can enjoy their work benefits all. We warmly welcome applications from all backgrounds and identities, supporting and celebrating diverse voices.