Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: up to £60,000
Location: This role can be based from London, Bristol or homeworking within the UK. You’ll be expected to travel between our London (Farringdon) and central Bristol office as well as other locations across the UK.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. Join us and your skills will make a real difference to the lives of young cancer patients.

About the role

Cancer has a devastating impact on the lives of children and young people, from all backgrounds and identities. Cancer itself doesn’t discriminate – but we are acutely aware of the ways that it deepens all other existing inequalities and has the potential to destroy young lives.

Young Lives vs Cancer exists to change this, as the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is well documented, and reflected in our 2021 strategy ‘Brave, not Perfect’. This set our ambition for Young Lives to become a more diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation, where everyone feels like they truly belong.

In 2024, Young Lives will publish its next organisational strategy, focused on ambitious systemic change to ensure a more equitable future for young cancer patients.

The next step, following ‘Brave not Perfect’ must build on the journey so far, reflecting the organisational strategic commitment to dismantling inequity, and focusing on action.

We are recruiting for our next Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) to lead this work, at a crucial and exciting time for Young Lives vs Cancer.

Young Lives vs Cancer is open to and in support of flexible working. Your flexibility requirements and that of the role will be discussed at interview stage with you. This role can be based from London, Bristol or homeworking. You’ll be expected to travel between our London (Farringdon) and central Bristol offices as well as other locations across the UK.

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience of developing and implementing an EDI strategy at a senior level
• Understanding and knowledge of EDI legislation, policies and best practices
• Experience of managing change initiatives and a practical approach to culture change including through systems, policy and procedures
• Experience of leading, inspiring and motivating staff
• A good leader with ambition and conviction and the ability and desire to inspire staff at all levels.
• Demonstrable influencing skills and ability to develop networks both internally and externally
• Experience of facilitating activities across geographically dispersed operations
• A respected project and change expert with personal confidence
• An understand of systems thinking, systemic change and trauma informed practice, as core strategic principles of this work

Diversity declaration

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their race, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation.

We are committed to taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities and creating equitable opportunities for all. We are passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation, as well as reflective of the diverse children and young people we support. Click here to find out more about our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy.

Accessibility

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please get in touch with us if you would like to discuss any specific requirements.

First round interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 6th June. Second round interviews will be in person w/c 10th June. Interview questions and themes are shared in advance of the interview. We reserve the right to change the dates listed here, but will give candidates a week of notice for a first round interview.

What we offer

In return for your commitment, we offer a great reward package, which includes generous annual and family/ caring leave entitlements, enhanced pension and employee savings scheme. To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website:

https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/careers/our-benefits/

If you join us, you will be part of a community that is committed make a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

If you have questions about the role before applying, please contact jennifer.harries@younglivesvscancer.org.uk