Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Lead (Maternity Cover)

Sustrans; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization is seeking an EDI Strategy Lead to guide efforts in equity, diversity, and inclusion. You will collaborate with leadership to instill inclusive practices and create a welcoming environment. Candidates should have experience in EDI and leadership in change initiatives. The role focuses on improving participation for those facing barriers to inclusion, especially neurodivergent individuals. Competitive salary and supportive environment offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) training and development.
• Proven experience leading change with an inclusive focus.
• Leadership experience in EDI programmes and initiatives.
• An inclusive leadership style that values communication diversity.
• Experience applying inclusive design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead EDI work across the UK with a focus on inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals.
• Support learning about how EDI affects culture and systems.
• Develop a four-year EDI action plan with clear steps.
• Coach Directors and leaders on building an inclusive environment.
• Represent the organization in public spaces advocating for inclusion.

Job description

About the role

Team : Strategy and Engagement / EDI

As the EDI Strategy Lead at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, you will guide our efforts to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into every part of our work. You’ll take the lead in helping us meet our inclusivity goals, as outlined in our new strategy, ensuring our organisation is welcoming and accessible to everyone—including those who are neurodivergent.

You’ll work closely with the senior leadership team to shape and deliver initiatives that create meaningful, lasting change. Your work will help ensure that Walk Wheel Cycle Trust is a place where people of all backgrounds, identities, and ways of thinking feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead our EDI work across the UK, ensuring our approach is inclusive of neurodivergent people and others who experience barriers to participation.
• Support learning and reflection across the organisation by helping us better understand how EDI—including neurodiversity—affects our culture, systems, and ways of working.
• Develop and deliver a four-year EDI action plan, with clear, achievable steps that reflect a wide range of lived experiences and communication styles.
• Coach and mentor Directors and leaders, helping them take shared responsibility for building an inclusive and psychologically safe environment.
• Be a visible advocate for inclusion, representing Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in the media and public spaces, using accessible language and inclusive messaging.
• Collaborate with our fundraising team to identify opportunities that support and sustain our EDI goals.

This role is for someone who enjoys helping leaders and supporting them to think in new ways. You will work alongside them to make positive changes happen. As a

“critical friend,” you will be kind, honest, and supportive while helping the charity improve how it includes people.

In this role, you will build trust with leaders, encourage them to see things differently, and give them the support they need to make a bigger impact. Your work will focus on improving opportunities for people who face the greatest barriers to walking, wheeling, and cycling. By doing this, you will help ensure that more people feel included and able to take part.

About you

We’re looking for someone who has experience and understanding in the areas listed below. You don’t need to meet every requirement — if you feel you’d be a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

• Ongoing learning in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) : You’ve recently taken part in training, development, or reflective practice that deepens your understanding of EDI—including neurodiversity, disability inclusion, and intersectionality.
• Proven experience leading change : You’ve successfully guided teams or organisations through change, with a focus on inclusive practices and psychological safety for all—especially those who may experience barriers due to neurodivergence or other marginalisation.
• Leadership in EDI programmes and initiatives : You’ve led or co-led impactful EDI work, such as strategy development, inclusive policy design, or community engagement—centering lived experience and accessibility.
• Inclusive leadership style : You lead in a way that values different communication styles, sensory needs, and ways of thinking. You create space for others to contribute in ways that work for them.
• Experience applying inclusive design principles : You’ve worked with communities and partners to co-create environments, services, or systems that are accessible, welcoming, and responsive to diverse needs—including neurodivergent perspectives.