Job Description

Ref Number

K76-00080

Professional Expertise

HR and Wellbeing

Department

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (K76)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

67,341-75,192

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

23-Jun-2025

About us

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Lead Transformational Culture Change at One of the World's Top Universities



At UCL - London's Global University, we are committed to creating a university community that is inclusive, respectful, and reflective of the diverse world we serve. We are now seeking an assured, experienced and visionary Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Behaviour and Culture Change) to play a vital role in shaping our institution-wide culture change agenda.


With a new 5-year EDI strategy launching in 2025, this senior leadership post is an opportunity to drive impactful, measurable behavioural change in one of the most complex and influential academic environments in the world.

About the role

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This role sits within the HR Directorate and will lead the strategic design and delivery of university-wide behaviour and culture change initiatives. You'll champion EDI values, oversee learning and development programmes, and act as a critical partner in embedding EDI across policies, practices and governance structures.



You'll also lead UCL's work on religion and belief inclusion, anti-harassment campaigns, and responses to sensitive, high-profile EDI matters that affect staff and students.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead and embed a clear strategic vision for behavioural and cultural change at scale within a large, federated institution. Foster a collaborative, accountable and purpose-driven team culture, empowering EDI professionals through coaching, mentoring and clear developmental pathways. Represent the EDI team at senior boards and committees, confidently navigating governance and institutional dynamics. Partner with senior leaders across UCL to co-create solutions, challenge barriers, and embed EDI accountability across functions. Design and deliver evidence-based interventions that go beyond training and communication to drive real behavioural shifts. Navigate and manage sensitive EDI issues, including belief conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and changes in legal or policy environments with clarity, empathy and institutional awareness. Provide strong operational leadership while contributing to the overall leadership of the EDI Department and its long-term impact.

About you

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We are seeking a candidate who combines strategic vision with empathetic, values-led leadership and practical delivery expertise. You will bring:


A proven ability to lead behaviour and culture change initiatives in large, complex organisations Demonstrated success managing and developing high-performing, empowered teams Expertise in stakeholder engagement, with experience working closely with senior leaders to shape institutional initiatives Deep understanding of the challenges in federated governance structures and the ability to build alignment across diverse communities and departments Experience managing multiple high-profile, sensitive EDI matters with political, legal and reputational implications A long-term approach to change, grounded in behavioural science and systemic thinking A strong appreciation of higher education and understanding of academic communities, even if your experience lies outside the sector

If you're a collaborative and courageous leader who wants to shape the future of

equality, diversity and inclusion

in higher education, we want to hear from you.

What we offer

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As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:


41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan Immigration loan Relocation scheme for certain posts On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.



We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.



These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.



You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/