Equalities Officer

Ministry of Justice; Barnsley; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in the UK seeks an Equality Officer to support the delivery of equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies. Responsibilities include maintaining administrative systems, developing communications, and managing stakeholder relationships. Candidates should have strong communication skills and experience in administration. This role offers flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Annual leave (25 days increasing to 30)

Pension (Local Government Pension Scheme)

Extensive training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrate administration experience and support activities.
• Evidence of support for colleagues in delivering quality service.
• Ability to fulfill all spoken aspects of the role in English.

Responsibilities

• Maintain online business administration systems for equalities.
• Develop and disseminate equalities communications.
• Network with external stakeholders to build relationships.

Skills

Minute taking skills

Good communication skills

IT skills – Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook

Education

Qualification to NVQ level 2 in any subject

GCSE Grade A-C in English and Maths (or equivalent)

Tools

MS Teams

Job description

The Equality Officer will support the Equality Manager to help deliver the regional equality plan, Probation Workforce Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy and the HMPPS Diversity and Inclusion strategy at a regional level. They will work with other regional workstream leads as required to support delivery of wider diversity and inclusion objectives. The job holder will support the Equality Manager by acting as a point of contact for general enquires related to equalities and regional staff network leads. The aim is to promote equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging for staff and people on probation.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining online business administration systems to disseminate equalities information.
• Use computer-based systems to produce, update and maintain records and other documentation within agreed timescales.
• Regularly develop and disseminate equalities communications across the region to a variety of stakeholders.
• Attend meetings and events and represent the Equality Manager as agreed from time to time using inclusive and appropriate skills and styles.
• Support the Equality Manager to develop and implement regional equality plans and maintain correspondence with stakeholders who are responsible for different objectives.
• Manage an annual calendar of awareness events to promote the equality and diversity agenda.
• Provide support and advice via the Equality Manager to regional stakeholders on completion of their Equality Analyses.
• Prepare and collate a range of documentation and resources for a variety of purposes to support Probation Delivery Units and regional business activity.
• Work in partnership with regional area staff networks leads to progress and embed equality and diversity into day‑to‑day.
• Contribute to relevant induction, training and development events.
• Support recruitment activity for relevant posts relating to equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging priorities within the region.
• Network with external stakeholders and build strong working relationships.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder. ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

Working Hours and Patterns

Standard full‑time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. Hybrid working arrangements are available where business need allows, blending work from base location, MoJ sites and/or home. Flexible working, job‑sharing and part‑time patterns may be considered in accordance with the HMPPS Flexible Working policy.

Experience (Essential)

• Minute taking skills
• Meeting organisation
• Skills in managing and co‑chairing meetings
• Preparing and delivering presentation skills
• Good communication skills
• Demonstrate previous administration experience, and experience of providing a wide range of management support activities
• Evidence of providing support and assistance to colleagues in delivering a quality service

Experience (Desirable)

• Work experience in an equalities focused role
• Knowledge of the 2010 Equality Act
• Knowledge of the Probation Service

Qualifications (Technical)

• Qualification to NVQ level 2 in any subject.
• GCSE Grade A‑C in English and Maths (or equivalent).

Personal Skills and Abilities

• IT skills – Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook
• Ability to understand and navigate systems on the job
• Gathering and collating information
• Good knowledge of using MS Teams
• Strong administrative skills

Core Competencies

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service

Assessments

Changing and Improving Experience – We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods: CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Application Form Question – Word Limit 250 – Evidence of Experience.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits: Annual leave (25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years), pension (Local Government Pension Scheme), extensive training and development opportunities, employee networks, family‑friendly policies including flexible working and job share, cash, retail vouchers, childcare support, paid parental leave, free annual sight tests and other flexible benefits.