EDI Lead in Essex

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead to develop, deliver and embed EDI strategy across St Luke's Hospice. Working closely with the People team, senior leaders, volunteers and operational teams, you will champion inclusive practice, drive measurable improvements and ensure our policies, processes and culture advance belonging and fairness for all staff, volunteers and service users.

Main responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and review of the Hospice’s EDI strategy, action plans and associated policies to meet organisational priorities and legal requirements.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders, managers and teams on equality law, best practice and inclusive approaches to recruitment, retention, career development and service delivery.
• Design, deliver and evaluate training, workshops and awareness‑raising activities that build understanding and confidence across the organisation on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, reasonable adjustments and allyship.
• Work with People and operational teams to ensure recruitment, progression and performance processes are fair and accessible, supporting inclusive job design, interview practice and reasonable adjustments.
• Lead equalities monitoring and data analysis to identify trends, measure impact and inform targeted actions; prepare clear reports and recommendations for Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Support the review and updating of organisational policies and procedures to ensure they reflect inclusive principles, statutory duties and sector best practice.
• Develop and maintain relationships with staff networks, volunteers, service user representatives and external stakeholders to ensure diverse perspectives inform decision making.
• Advise on and support reasonable adjustment requests and access requirements for staff, volunteers and applicants, working with the People team to ensure timely and appropriate responses.
• Promote and support inclusive communications and community engagement activities to increase awareness of Hospice services and improve access for under‑represented groups.
• Contribute to procurement and partnership decisions by assessing EDI implications and encouraging suppliers and partners to align with Hospice values.

Person specification

• Proven experience in an EDI‑focused role, ideally within health, social care or the charitable sector, with demonstrable success in developing and delivering strategy and action plans.
• Good knowledge of UK equality legislation, protected characteristics and current best practice in diversity and inclusion.
• Experience of data collection, analysis and reporting to inform action plans and measure progress against objectives.
• Strong training and facilitation skills with experience of designing and delivering engaging learning for a range of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels, build trusted relationships and handle sensitive situations with diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to think strategically while also delivering practical, measurable interventions and improvements.
• Project management skills with experience of developing workplans, managing stakeholders and delivering to deadlines.
• Committed to the values of dignity, compassion and equality; a collaborative approach and cultural sensitivity when engaging with diverse communities.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office; experience of HR or case management systems is desirable.

Salary and benefits

• Salary: £30,057.13 to £38,988.99 pro rata (depending on experience)
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Part‑time (30 hours per week)
• Location: On‑site (Basildon) with some hybrid working and occasional travel within the local area

How to apply

When applying, please ensure you answer the questions in our application process to tell us how you meet the skills, knowledge and experience required for this role. If you have any access requirements, please let us know so we can support your application. To have an informal chat about the role or to discuss access requirements for disabled applicants contact the People team using the chat function on our careers page or calling 01268 524 973.

Right to work

St Luke's Hospice is unable to sponsor work permits or visas. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion

At St Luke's Hospice, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, LGBT+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as these groups are currently under‑represented in our teams. We have policies and procedures to ensure all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including consideration of access requirements for people who have a disability.