The main purpose of this role is to provide coordination and practical support for the John Innes Centre’s participation in the Advance HE Inclusive Institutions Framework.
Working closely with the Head of Science Coordination and Research Culture, the post holder will coordinate the Institute’s evidence-based self-assessment, engage colleagues and representative groups across JIC, collate and analyse relevant data and evidence, and support the development, monitoring and communication of a clear, proportionate action plan.
This role will help ensure that the Framework is embedded within wider institutional priorities and existing equality, diversity, inclusion and research culture activity, enabling JIC to identify areas for improvement, demonstrate progress and deliver sustainable, intersectional change towards a more inclusive working and research environment.
Key Relationships
- Head of Science Coordination and Research Culture
- HR Manager (JIC)
- EDI Committee
- Voice and Working Group Leads
- Advance HE
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Attend relevant meetings and working groups, providing coordination and practical support as required. Support the Head of Science Coordination and Research Culture in planning and delivering activities associated with the Inclusive Institutions Framework. Coordinate agreed activities, including arranging meetings, maintaining simple records and following up actions. Gather and organise information, evidence and feedback from colleagues to support the Institute’s work under the Framework. Assist with the preparation of brief updates, meeting papers and communications where needed. Undertake other reasonable and related tasks agreed with the line manager, within the available hours and changing needs of the project As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience Essential Relevant professional development or qualification in equality, diversity and inclusion, management, human resources or a related area Desirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and their application within a complex organisation Essential Understanding of institutional equality frameworks, self-assessment processes, evidence gathering and action planning Essential Ability to organise and interpret equality-related information and present it clearly for different audiences – Essential Essential Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and online meeting tools Essential
Requirement Importance Significant experience of coordinating equality, diversity and inclusion programmes, charter submissions or comparable institutional review processes Essential Experience of supporting self-assessment groups and working with senior leaders, committees and colleagues across an organisation Essential Experience of producing concise reports, meeting papers, equality data summaries and practical action plans Essential Experience of Advance HE equality charters or related external standards in higher education or research Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt information for different audiences Essential Ability to build effective working relationships, facilitate constructive discussion and handle sensitive information appropriately Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Well organised, reliable and able to work collaboratively with limited supervision Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team Essential Good communication skills, both written and verbal Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement Importance Able to work flexibly, by agreement, in response to the timing and needs of the Framework over the two-year period Essential Commitment to inclusive working practices, confidentiality and the values of the John Innes Centre Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Attention to detail Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.
Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.
We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).
Department
Directorate
The post will be placed within the Directorate
EDI Coordinator
Salary: £47,450 - £52,560 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 24 months, zero hour contract
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK
Closing date: 26 October 2026
Reference: 1006219
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Support Specialist - EDI Coordinator to join the Directorate, to support the cutting-edge science of the John Innes Centre.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet , sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.
Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management.
The role:
We are seeking an experienced and organised EDI Coordinator to support the John Innes Centre’s participation in the Advance HE Inclusive Institutions Framework. Working with colleagues across the Institute, the post holder will coordinate the evidence-based self-assessment process, gather and organise evidence and feedback, support engagement with representative groups, and help develop and monitor a clear action plan to advance inclusive working and research culture.
As the level and timing of activity will vary across the Inclusive Institutions Framework programme, the successful candidate will need to work flexibly, with hours agreed in advance with the line manager and arranged in response to key meetings, deadlines and project requirements. The role may suit someone looking to combine this work with other professional commitments.
Additional information:
We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share, part-time or other flexible working arrangements.
Interviews will be held on 29 October 2026.
Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.
The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
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EDI Coordinator in Norwich employer: John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the field of plant and microbial sciences. Employees benefit from access to cutting-edge technology, diverse training opportunities, and a commitment to personal and professional growth, all within a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusivity. Located in Norwich, the Centre not only promotes a family-friendly workplace but also actively engages in initiatives that inspire the next generation through science, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful societal impacts.
