Job description
The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Diversity and Inclusion are an essential part of the Royal Society’s mission to recognise, promote and support excellence in science, and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. A diverse and inclusive scientific community that brings together the broadest range of talents, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences maximises scientific innovation and creativity and the competitiveness of the UK scientific industry.
As the UK’s national academy of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (‘STEM’), the Society is committed to increasing diversity in science by embedding diversity and inclusion into its activities and organisational culture and by encouraging the participation of excellent scientists from under-represented groups.
The role requires a thorough understanding of current issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion, and a proven ability to build and maintain strong strategic relationships with colleagues and external organisations. The successful candidate will be able to recognise, understand and respond to the needs to different stakeholders. They will also have excellent communication, project management and planning skills
The post holder will manage the successful delivery of elements of the Society’s diversity and inclusion programme, including leading projects and activities under the diversity and inclusion strategy.
They will be responsible for writing diversity policies, practices and procedures and advising colleagues across the Society, on diversity best practice to ensure that diversity is embedded across all the non-grant making activities of the Society. A separate role has been created to advise on the Society’s grant making activities.
This is an important role within the Society, and the post holder will need to have a proven track record of delivering equality and diversity activities in complex organisations. The post holder will need experience of working across different stakeholder groups and be able to command the confidence of the Society’s Fellows, committee members and partners. The post holder will also need to demonstrate a track record of successful project management and delivery.
Promote an inclusive culture within the Royal Society itself and the activities it undertakes- Work for greater equality, diversity, and inclusion in the scientific workforce at all levels
- Work for greater equity of access to scientific careers for children and young people from all backgrounds
Details of the Society’s diversity programmes are available on the Society’s website: https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/diversity-in-science/
Reports to: Head of Diversity and Inclusion
Line manages: x2 Diversity and Inclusion Officers
Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG plus hybrid remote working
Pay Band: E
Salary: £43,495 to £54,369
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week (full time)
Closing date: 6 March 2023 23:59pm.
1st round of interviews: 14 and 16 March 2023.
Responsibilities:
- Influence various policies in favour of The Royal Society’s ambition and cause.
- Collaborate with other societies, professional bodies, and government to research, develop and implement policies on multiple issues.
- Focus on multiple diversity strands and unprotected characteristics such as socioeconomic diversity to widen participation in STEMM education, training, and employment, taking an intersectional approach.
- Collection, sorting, monitoring and analyses of diversity data to spot trends and bias.
- Collect baseline data to tell a story and demonstrate progress
- Working with the Events Team to produce annual Diversity & Inclusion conferences and events to promote The Royal Society’s progress and achievements.
- Design, develop and manage the successful delivery of a programme of activities and projects that sit under the diversity strategy on time, to budget, and to the agreed scope.
- Create and maintain strong diversity and inclusion partnerships to maximise our diversity & inclusion efforts and impact.
- Identify and engage with special interest groups to gain feedback, discuss ideas, and generate good practice.
- Keep up to date with diversity & inclusion trends and highlight priorities in an ever-changing landscape.
- Develop new initiatives for consideration aligned with the diversity and inclusion strategy.
- Review and analyse data to monitor and report on progress.
- Work collaboratively across teams and external organisations to communicate the rationale for diversity and inclusion within the workforce and the Royal Society’s wider community.
- Work to embed diversity and inclusion organisation-wide to be seen as business as usual
- Work with the internal communications team to promote the Society’s Diversity and Inclusion work including specific campaigns as appropriate.
- Undertake or commission research into specific areas/questions to determine what action the Society should take related to improving diversity and inclusion in STEM.
- Ensure that diversity and inclusion activity is co-ordinated across the Society, working with colleagues to embed diversity considerations across all the activities of the Royal Society, and to achieve actions arising from the internal Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group.
- Ensure appropriate evaluation methods are employed for all diversity and inclusion activities and oversee drafting, editing and production of outputs.
- Manage aspects of the Society’s Diversity and Inclusion budget and ensure diversity projects are implemented within agreed budgets.
- Build relationships and network with colleagues working in diversity and inclusion across the sector to share best practice and develop joint ideas.
- Provide guidance and support to the Diversity and Inclusion team members so that they can deliver their roles to a high standard.
- Contribute to other activities as required.
A degree (or equivalent)
Desirable
Knowledge/skills/abilities
An understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and relevant sections of the Data Protection Act 1998
Essential
An understanding of the STEMM academic and industry sector
Desirable
An enthusiastic team player, with experience of collaborative working
Essential
Highly skilled oral and written communication with a range of audiences
Essential
Able to command the confidence of people at all levels of seniority
Essential
Self-organisation and management of several tasks simultaneously
Essential
Highly motivated and an ability to elicit similar motivation in others
Essential
Knowledge of office systems and procedures and good IT skills
Essential
Experience
Successfully managing and delivering complex projects
Essential
Writing, editing, and disseminating reports
Essential
Working with committees
Desirable
Establishing and maintaining a network of contacts
Essential
Events management
Essential
Line management
Circumstances
Able to be flexible about working hours, including working evenings and weekends, and to travel on occasion
Desirable
Competencies:
Identifies difficult situations- Recognises stress in others and takes steps to reduce it
- Controls pressurised situations
- Effectively enthuses those in the team
- Proactively sets goals and targets for own work
Working with others
- Actively seeks ideas and criticisms from within the team
- Resolves conflicts within and between teams
- Embeds feedback processes within the team
- Seeks out new networks that will create opportunity for the Society
- Able to present complex issues simply
- Uses discretion, tact and empathy when negotiating with and/or seeking to influence others
- Understands the need to manage expectations and to only promise what is deliverable
Resource management
Makes the best of internal/external resources and coordinates well with external partners to best meet the needs of the Society- Builds contingency into projects considering possible outside factors
- Sets and monitors performance against quality and results orientated targets
- Focuses on both short and long-term goals
Critical thinking
Uses questioning, analytical, and probing skills to ‘dig deeper’.- Knows when enough information has been obtained and adapts presentation of information to the needs of the audience.
- Evaluates the benefits, practicalities, and value for money of ideas and obtains feedback.
- Makes sound decisions in a complex or ambiguous environment and can gain support and manage challenges confidently.
Adaptability
- Actively seeks the input and opinions of others, often outside his/her section and accommodates and incorporates this thinking into any output.
- Actively seeks new challenges and projects; leads discussions surrounding new ideas, approaches, and projects.
- Anticipates need for innovation and seeks new ideas, approaches and solutions.
Managing people and relationships
Sets expectations of others and ensures they deliver.
- Demonstrates a positive attitude towards work, celebrating success and instilling confidence, which encourages the same from others.
- Encourages others to share ideas and participate in the discussion and decisions of the team.
- Assesses needs of clients/stakeholders/staff and makes plans to meet these needs.