ED&I Assurance Coordinator – Hybrid Governance

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

Please note that whilst we will accept applications based on any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.

The EDI Assurance Coordinator role is a new opportunity to advance our ED&I strategic objectives across Riverside and through various workstreams and plans. You will work directly with our Head of Customers Communications and Regulation and alongside our colleagues from People Services and Customer Operations to plan, deliver and embed our strategic ED&I objectives across the organisation for the benefit of both our customers, colleagues and governance community.

Key skills include proactive identification of ED&I improvement areas for better service and KPI achievement. Analytical knowledge is vital for data analysis in reports and presentations. Collaborating with the Head of Customer Communications & Regulation, you will be responsible for supporting Riverside to drive outcomes and objectives and maintain a comprehensive database on ED&I initiatives. You will also be responsible for leading the planning and implementation of our ED&I governance structure to ensure compliance and assurance on our ED&I strategy.

We are looking for someone with:

• Strong working knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including relevant equality legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of equality analysis / Equality Impact Assessments and how they are used to evidence compliance and inform decision-making.
• Knowledge of governance, assurance and compliance principles, including monitoring frameworks and reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Awareness of accessibility and inclusive communication standards and their application in services, policies and communications.

At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives. We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working With Us, You’ll Enjoy:

• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.

Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Role Profile:

• Support the Head of Customer Communications & Regulation in developing and providing monitoring, assurance and compliance for our customers, people and governance ED&I objectives.
• Provide expert advice and ensure high-quality documentation for ED&I initiatives across the Group.
• Act as a deputy for the Head of Customer Communications & Regulation on group ED&I activities and be able to manage specific projects independently.
• Oversee annual ED&I governance planning, including key topics, discussions, and monitoring framework in collaboration with the relevant chairs and the Head of Customer Communications & Regulation.
• Oversee the management and administration of our ED&I governance structure, managing both the ED&I Steering Group and Delivery Group administration.
• Manage and coordinate external ED&I pledges and commitment and ensure compliance with all external commitments.
• Assist in contract, commissioning, and procurement activities related to ED&I, particularly around our care & support contracts and ensure that there is a compliance and risk management framework in place.
• Ensure the Group’s customer and people ED&I policies are up to date, fit for purpose and reviewed on a regular basis. Contribute to the policy review process to ensure that sufficient account is taken of the Equality and Diversity impact of all policies.
• Promote the use of a common model for the completion of equality analysis assessments together with appropriate guidance and monitor compliance across the group.
• Provide expert advice, updates and briefings to leaders and managers, staff and other key stakeholders on changes in Equality and Diversity related legislation, policy and best practice.
• Co-ordinate and submit all relevant evidence for accreditations, network research/reports. i.e. HouseProud, Kent Housing Group, DICE Survey.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for strategic ED&I projects.
• Maintain reporting cycles for governance committees and internal meetings, draft assurance reports, and share best practices.
• Lead and deliver ED&I projects within timelines and budgets.
• Support colleagues to succeed in their ED&I initiatives where required.
• Gather evidence, identify areas for improvement, and engage in resourcing efforts.
• Provide advice on best practice for collecting and using data for strategic ED&I decision-making.

Person specification:

• Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
• Strong working knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including relevant equality legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of equality analysis / Equality Impact Assessments and how they are used to evidence compliance and inform decision-making.
• Knowledge of governance, assurance and compliance principles, including monitoring frameworks and reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Awareness of accessibility and inclusive communication standards and their application in services, policies and communications.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, accessible and audience appropriate language.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative data and present clear insights, risks and recommendations.
• Ability to plan, manage and deliver multiple workstreams or projects simultaneously, prioritising effectively and working independently.
• Confident stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to advise, influence and constructively challenge colleagues at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills, including maintaining accurate records, evidence logs and reporting cycles.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions to embed ED&I objectives into everyday practice.
• Demonstrable experience working in ED&I, assurance, compliance, governance or a related regulatory environment.
• Experience of developing, reviewing or quality assuring ED&I related documentation, policies or reports.
• Experience of supporting or coordinating governance activity, including planning, reporting and follow-up actions.
• Experience of gathering and managing evidence for audits, accreditations, inspections or external commitments.
• Experience of using data to identify issues, measure impact and support continuous improvement.

• Desirable:
• Experience of working within the housing sector or a similarly regulated, customer focused environment.
• Experience of designing or operating ED&I governance or assurance frameworks.
• Relevant professional qualification or demonstrable continuing professional development in ED&I, governance, compliance or assurance.

Riverside is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit social housing and regeneration organisations, owning or managing around 75,000 homes from Irvine to Kent. We are a leading provider of supported housing services, particularly for those affected by homelessness, and our track record of transforming lives and revitalising neighbourhoods dates back over 90 years. We have plans to build over 15,000 affordable homes over the next decade.