At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives across Cafcass.
- Company: Cafcass, dedicated to supporting children and families during critical moments.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28 days annual leave, and access to a pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on inclusion and support for colleagues and families.
- Qualifications: Experience in equality, diversity, and inclusion within large organisations.
The predicted salary is between 56941 - 59028 £ per year.
Location: Flexible location, with regular travel to Cafcass office locations across England
Salary: £56,941 - £59,028 (plus London Weighting £5,951 where applicable)
Reports to: Head of Organisational Development
Shape inclusion, colleague voice and meaningful change at Cafcass. At Cafcass, our work supports children and families at some of the most important and difficult moments in their lives, and the experience and support we provide for colleagues is central to how well we deliver that purpose.
Aligned to the recently published Cafcass Strategic Plan, Sustaining ambition for children, this is a critical role in leading, facilitating and delivering our equality, diversity and inclusion priorities across Practice, People and Partners. We are looking for an experienced, values-led Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead who shares our passion and ambition for our colleagues and for the children and families we serve. You will strengthen inclusion across our culture, workforce, services and practice, helping to improve experiences and outcomes for children while supporting Cafcass to attract and retain experienced colleagues, promote wellbeing and sustain high performance.
About the role:
- Reporting to the Head of Organisational Development, you will work across the HR function and in equal partnership with senior operational, corporate and business services leaders and teams.
- You will provide subject matter expertise, lead the development and delivery of Cafcass' equality, diversity and inclusion priorities, facilitate our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, and turn insight, data and colleague voice into practical action.
- You will work with internal colleagues, members of the Family Justice Young People's Board and Cafcass Board, trade unions, external partners and our colleague diversity networks to improve organisational culture, support inclusive practice and secure better experiences for colleagues, children and families.
What you will be doing:
- Lead the development, delivery, review and evaluation of Cafcass' equality, diversity and inclusion priorities across Practice, People and Partners, aligned to the Strategic Plan.
- Facilitate the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, working with internal colleagues, Family Justice Young People's Board members and Cafcass Board members to support effective governance, challenge and progress.
- Work across the organisation to bring leading-edge practice and innovative strategies into our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion including interpretation of government and other official publications.
- Build strong relationships with and support our seven colleague diversity networks: Ability Matters, Carers, Faith, Kaleidoscope, Mental Health, Neurodiversity and Pride (LGBT+), helping their insight and priorities influence organisational practice and decision-making.
- Use equality, diversity and inclusion data, evidence and colleague voice to inform decisions, reporting, awareness campaigns and improvement work, including activity that supports attraction, retention, wellbeing and high performance.
- Provide credible specialist advice, support and constructive challenge to senior leaders and stakeholders, acting as an ambassador for Cafcass, safeguarding, inclusion and meaningful organisational change.
About you:
- Substantial subject matter expertise and a strong track record of developing and delivering equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives in a large or complex organisation.
- The ability to influence, engage and work credibly with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders, operational, corporate and business services teams, governance groups, colleague networks and external partners.
- Experience of facilitating groups, building consensus and translating diverse perspectives, evidence and insight into practical, measurable action.
- Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to bring leading-edge practice and innovative thinking to organisational priorities.
- A collaborative, credible and values-led style, together with the same passion and ambition we have for our colleagues and for the children and families we serve.
Why join Cafcass?
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in an organisation with a unique and important purpose. In return, you will be part of an organisation that offers:
- Flexible and hybrid working, with regular travel across England where the role requires it.
- A supportive, values-led organisation with a clear focus on improvement, colleague experience and inclusive practice.
- Access to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- 28 days' annual leave, rising to 33 days after five years' continuous service.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead in London employer: Cafcass
Cafcass in Leicestershire is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the voices of children and families. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are offered numerous growth opportunities within a framework that values child safety and wellbeing. Working here means being part of a meaningful mission, where your contributions directly impact the lives of children in family court proceedings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Cafcass!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Cafcass.
We think you need these skills to ace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Cafcass. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Cafcass and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Cafcass. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Cafcass's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Cafcass.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Cafcass will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Cafcass and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
