Job Introduction
At the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), we are committed to making the West Midlands the best place to work, live and visit and where everyone can thrive. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Officer to help shape and influence how equity and inclusion supports our regional priorities.
This is a unique opportunity to play an operational and strategic role in embedding equity and inclusive growth into policy, programmes and investment decisions. You will act as a subject matter expert, providing insight, challenge and support to ensure WMCA meets its Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) while improving outcomes for our communities.
Working across directorates, you will help ensure that our decisions, investments and services reduce inequalities and reflect the needs and experiences of the people we serve. As an EDI Officer, you will:
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Help to embed equity into decision-making through our health, equity impact assessment (HEIA) process and influencing policy, inclusive programme design and investment activity
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Ensure through support and review that HEIAs are consistently of the highest quality and stand up to governance processes and scrutiny
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Provide advice and guidance on the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) and how equality considerations inform WMCA funding and commissioning
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Support with the implementation of the published Equity & Inclusion Scheme and monitoring of the related Action Plan
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Work with WMCA colleagues and external partners to ensure policies and services are inclusive, evidence-based and community-informed.
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Analyse related data and insights to identify inequalities and inform decision-making
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Provide appropriate challenge to senior stakeholders with the aim of improving outcomes for all and reducing known disparities
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Support the Equalities and Diversity Manager and other team colleagues as required to build strong partnerships with local authorities, community organisations and regional networks
About You
We are looking for someone who brings:
Experience
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Work experience in EDI within any sector organisation, particularly in policy, programmes or service delivery
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Applying the Public Sector Equality Duty in practice
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Delivering or supporting equity impact assessment completion
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Influencing decisions to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities
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Working collaboratively within and across organisations and with people from a range of backgrounds and communities
Skills & Knowledge
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Strong understanding of equality legislation, including the Equality Act 2010
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Ability to source, read, interpret and manage data, reports and publications relating to health inequalities and equity in terms of people with one or more protected characteristics to practical actions in policy and investment
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Excellent analytical skills, using data and evidence to support equity impact analysis and inform decisions
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Strong communication, engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively
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Understanding of inclusive growth and regional inequality issues
Location.
The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
How to apply.
Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.
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Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
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Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
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Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
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Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.
Anonymised Applications.
Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.
Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([email protected]).
Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
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Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
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Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
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28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
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EV car benefit scheme
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Healthcare plans.
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Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
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An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
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3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
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Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
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Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
- Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
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Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.
For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Why join WMCA?
WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.
We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.
Our Values and Behaviours.
Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.
Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.-
Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
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Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
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Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
