Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead

East of England Co-op; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

East of England Co-op seeks a passionate Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Lead to join their Talent & Culture Team. This role involves leading the DEI strategy, embedding inclusive practices, and fostering a culture of diversity. With a competitive salary and hybrid working options, this is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a purpose-driven organization.

Benefits

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Experience leading DEI, social impact, or cultural change programmes.
• Strong understanding of DEI frameworks and inclusive practices.
• Confidence in analysing data and using insights for change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of the DEI delivery plan focusing on measurable progress.
• Collaborate to review and embed inclusive policies.
• Track, analyse and report on DEI data to measure success.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Data Analysis

Collaboration

Education

CIPD or SHRM qualification

Job description

Job Title: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Lead

Location: Wherstead Park, Ipswich, Suffolk

Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract Type: Permanent, Hybrid working

Reporting to: Head of Talent & Culture

Team: Talent & Culture Team

Job Share Option: Not available

Closing Date: Sunday 1st June 2025, first stage interviews to carried out week commencing 9th June 2025.

About the Role:

Are you passionate about building a workplace where everyone belongs? We’re looking for an inspiring Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Lead to join our Talent & Culture Team at the East of England Co-op.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the delivery of our DEI strategy, working across the business to embed inclusive policies, shape colleague engagement, and create a culture where diversity is celebrated. Based at our Wherstead Park office in Ipswich, you’ll collaborate with leadership, Colleague Groups, and external partners to ensure equity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

If you’re a strategic thinker with a strong DEI background and a desire to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead the execution of our 2025-26 DEI delivery plan, focusing on measurable progress and positive cultural change.
• Collaborate across departments to review and embed inclusive policies and procedures.
• Partner with People Teams and Colleague Groups to support learning, engagement, and DEI development.
• Track, analyse and report on DEI data to measure success and drive accountability.
• Represent our co-op in external partnerships to strengthen community impact and visibility.
• Coordinate and deliver an annual programme of DEI events and initiatives.

What You’ll Need:

• Experience leading DEI, social impact, or cultural change programmes.
• Strong understanding of DEI frameworks, lived experiences, and inclusive practices.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Confidence in analysing data and using insights to drive meaningful change.
• Ability to work collaboratively and influence at all levels of the organisation.
• Relevant DEI or HR-related qualifications (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) are highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

At East of England Co-op, our values shape how we work and support our communities. As DEI Lead, you’ll have the opportunity to create a lasting legacy in a purpose-driven, people-first organisation. We offer a competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to be part of a team that values your voice and your vision.

Click Apply now to lead our journey towards a more inclusive future.