Job Purpose:         

• Support London Councils organisational development through appropriate workforce strategies that promote delivery, learning and inclusion in line with the Organisation’s shared ambitions and core values

• Support the development of an organisational culture focussing on learning, delivery, leadership, employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

• Oversee and programme manage the organisation development theme of London Councils Shared Ambitions.

• Oversee the development of a Diversity & Inclusion Strategy for London Councils.

• Manage the London Tackling Racial Inequality Programme.

Principal Accountabilities

 1.           Policy development and delivery of programmes encouraging leadership development and employee development that support the London Councils shared ambitions and core values.

2.           Policy development and delivery of programmes encouraging greater diversity and inclusion in employment at London Councils.

3.           Programme management of the roadmap and delivery milestones for the Organisation Development theme of the Shared Ambitions.

4.           Leadership of the Organisation Development steering group.

5.           Manage the London Tackling Racial Inequality Programme including oversight of the work of different working groups and provide briefings, reports, newsletters to relevant governance groups and wider audiences. 

6.           To design, manage and deliver, or commission, the creation of effective staffing  data sets that inform policy on employee engagement, wellbeing, diversity and the underlying causes of disproportionate outcomes.

7.           To develop proposals for effective interventions to support staff development in ways that reduce disproportionate disadvantage or exclusion both at London Councils and as part of the Tackling Racial Inequality programme.

8.           To work with others to implement policies that increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace at London Councils and as part of the Tackling Racial Inequality programme.

9.           To work with the Head of London Regional Employers’ Organisation and other colleagues to assess HR policies and make recommendations for career progression and enhanced staff development that increase effectiveness and reduce inequality.

10.       To facilitate the development with CMT and staff, of a diversity and inclusion strategy for London Councils.

11.       To attend and contribute to London relevant working groups

12.       To analyse relevant policy papers, government proposals, circulars, Green and White papers, legislation, reports and research documents from local authorities and other organisations and disseminate the findings to colleagues and member authorities.

13.       London Councils is committed to, and champions, equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of policy and employment.  All employees are expected to understand and promote equality, diversity and inclusion within their work.

14.       To take care at all times to uphold health and safety at work for self and others.  To observe London Councils Health and Safety policy and related procedures at all times. 

15.       To adhere to London Councils’ corporate policies, procedures, regulations and protocols including the Data Protection Act 2018.

 16.       To uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in line with the expectations of a local government officer and to lead staff to adhere to such standards in order to uphold the reputation of London Councils and local government in London. 

Key contacts

London Councils Corporate Management Team;

London borough Chief Executives leading on Self Improvement and development;

Officers in London Boroughs;

National and London wide bodies in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Qualifications and experience

• Experience of contributing to public policy development relevant to Race equality, diversity and inclusion;

• Experience of successfully undertaking policy projects with clear responsibility for project outcomes;

• Experience of working in a political environment.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Local Government,

• Knowledge of diversity policy and the current policy context.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to lead programmes and people in a complex environment

• Ability to navigate through ambiguity and propose a clear direction that people understand and buy into

• Ability to build networks of contacts and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, politicians, civil servants, London local authorities and others in the London local government family including at a senior level;

• Able to represent London Councils and contribute to consultations and negotiations with a range of organisations;

• A broad understanding of Organisation Development - related fields including employee engagement, learning and development, culture change, equity and diversity

• Demonstrable ability to anticipate and understand the strategic significance of key policy issues to London local government;

• Utilises a range tools to create the conditions for innovation and creativity

• Programme management skills and ability to convert policy into delivered results on the ground;

• Highly developed oral and written communication skills, with evidence of success in preparing clear reports, consultations, briefings and other documents on policy issues; 

Personal Characteristics

• Strong orientation to achieve outcomes through working in collaboration, partnership and teams

• Strong commitment to probity, integrity and openness, treating people consistently, fairly and with respect

• An inclusive team player;

• Political sensitivity;

• Energy and ability to self-start;

• Outstanding interpersonal skills to relate effectively to elected members, partners, colleagues and staff.

Other factors

 Strong personal commitment to the value of diversity, inclusion and the promotion of equality of opportunity.

 This is a politically restricted post, under Section 2 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.