Group Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Lead

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Tooting; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Group Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Lead in Tooting, UK. The role involves leading EDI initiatives, managing projects, and delivering training. Candidates should have postgraduate education, project management qualifications, and experience within EDI or HR. This position offers the opportunity to create a more inclusive workforce, analyze data for decision-making, and oversee compliance with EDI policies.

Qualifications

• Experience leading EDI initiatives in complex organizations.
• Knowledge of UK EDI legislation and NHS standards.
• Ability to analyze data and generate actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver EDI projects to improve workforce outcomes.
• Support staff networks with governance and planning.
• Lead development and evaluation of EDI training programs.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Training delivery

Excellent communication

Education

Postgraduate level education

Project Management qualification (e.g., Prince2)

Job description

Group Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Lead

The closing date is 18 January 2026

The post holder will support the Group Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) by providing programme leadership and oversight for the delivery of the organisation's EDI agenda. They will ensure momentum is maintained across the EDI action plan and priority workstreams, offering coordination and assurance on progress. While leading specific projects and initiatives, the post holder will also work with action owners across the organisation to track delivery, resolve barriers, and support consistent implementation of EDI priorities.

The role combines programme oversight with hands‑on delivery to enable measurable improvements in workforce outcomes. The post holder will provide workforce insights, analyse data and produce content to inform decision‑making, contribute to the development and delivery of EDI training, and lead on areas such as inclusive recruitment and external accreditations. They will also support staff networks with governance, planning and development, working collaboratively with colleagues to drive the delivery of initiatives that create a more inclusive culture and demonstrate tangible progress for the gesh workforce.

Main duties of the job

This role leads and supports a wide range of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) projects that improve workforce outcomes across the organisation. The postholder will help design, plan and deliver projects, manage risks, analyse data, benchmark performance, and produce reports. They will support statutory and regulatory compliance, oversee inclusive recruitment initiatives, manage reasonable adjustments processes, and provide expert guidance to staff and leaders across the organisation. The role also designs and delivers EDI training, supports staff networks, and contributes to policy development and accreditation processes.

To perform effectively, the postholder will need strong project management skills, the ability to interpret and analyse data, excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills, and an understanding of EDI legislation, policy and best practice. They should be confident delivering training, influencing leaders, managing sensitive issues and working with diverse workforce groups in a complex, fast‑paced environment.

About us

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000‑strong workforce.

At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.

Job responsibilities

Project Delivery & Support

1. Plan, deliver, and manage projects, across the group, that measurably improve EDI outcomes across the workforce.
2. Develop project plans, monitor progress, and evaluate success against defined metrics.
3. Maintain accurate project documentation, including risk logs and audit records.
4. Produce regular progress reports for senior stakeholders, including the D&I Steering Group.
5. Conduct research to benchmark internal EDI practices against sector best practice.
6. Lead inclusive recruitment initiatives, including training, guidance, and project oversight.
7. Oversee external EDI accreditation programmes (e.g., Disability Confident).

Policy, Compliance & Administration

1. Support the development and delivery of the D&I action plan and related workstreams.
2. Support organisational compliance with legal, statutory, and best practice requirements under the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion agenda.
3. Implement and manage the Reasonable Adjustments process and associated support.
4. Provide Equality Impact Assessment guidance and process support across teams.
5. Maintain and manage D&I communications, including intranet and website content.
6. Oversee the D&I mailbox and related administrative functions.
7. Stay up to date with national, regional, and local developments in EDI policy and practice.

Training & Development

1. Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of EDI training programmes, including but not limited to topics such as bias, microaggressions and inclusive recruitment.
2. Support staff network leads and other internal stakeholders with development opportunities.
3. Advise teams and leaders on embedding EDI principles in day‑to‑day practice.

Data Analysis & Reporting

1. Maintain a central repository of D&I data for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
2. Analyse internal surveys, listening events, staff networks feedback, and external reports (e.g., WRES, WDES, Gender Pay Gap).
3. Produce management information, business cases, and operational reports for senior managers and the Board.
4. Monitor and report on progress of D&I initiatives to provide assurance of performance.

Staff Network Support & Development

1. Support staff networks in defining their purpose and aligning activity with organisational objectives to improve the experience of staff with protected characteristics.
2. Lead governance, recruitment, and training for staff network leadership teams.
3. Facilitate meetings, events, and project initiatives, including communications campaigns.
4. Provide financial and administrative support for staff network activities, including budget management and grant applications.

General

1. Deputise for the Head of EDI, representing the EDI function at meetings, forums, and other engagements as required.
2. Adapt flexibly to organisational priorities, proactively responding to emerging needs and re‑prioritising work to maximise impact, ensure alignment with strategic objectives, and deliver measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Educated to Postgraduate level (or equivalent) or equivalent experience of working in a relevant specialist area such as EDI, OD or HR.
• Project Management qualification such as Prince2 or equivalent.
• Other qualifications or certificates relevant to EDI, such as mediation, coaching, conflict resolution.

Knowledge

• Experience of leading EDI initiatives within the NHS or other complex organisations of comparable scale, resulting in measurable improvements in key workforce or performance metrics.
• Experience of equality monitoring and reporting (e.g. WRES/WDES) and developing action plans and reports based on data analysis.
• Knowledge of NHS EDI standards, and a sound understanding of UK EDI legislation, with particular awareness of organisational duties around disability and reasonable adjustments.
• Experience of supporting interventions and projects to improve organisational performance and workforce satisfaction.
• Experience of designing, implementing and delivering EDI‑related training and team interventions.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication to meet audience needs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including active listening, responsiveness to feedback and the use of emotional intelligence.
• Ability to build credibility and develop positive relationships with colleagues from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and effectively lead standalone engagement.
• Ability to analyse data, identify insights and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Georges website and Epsom and St Helier website