Leading Operations Manager

TN United Kingdom; Norwich; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking Cultural Inclusion Agents to foster an inclusive environment within the organization. This voluntary role involves supporting investigations and promoting equality across all protected characteristics. Successful candidates will receive training and become integral members of decision-making teams, contributing to a culture of fairness and respect. This opportunity not only enhances personal skills but also positively impacts the organization’s reputation and employee relations. If you're passionate about equality and inclusion, this role offers a meaningful way to make a difference.

Benefits

Virtual training sessions

Bi-monthly meetings

Action learning sets with CIAs

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of equality and inclusion issues.
• Ability to challenge bias and promote good practice.

Responsibilities

• Support investigations and panels regarding bias and discrimination.
• Build trust and enhance the Trust's reputation.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Analytical skills

Understanding of Equality legislation

Assertiveness and confidence

Ability to produce accurate reports

Job description

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Great healthcare requires great people. That’s why we are doing everything we can to recruit committed, skilled people – and to make sure we support our new and existing employees, so they choose to stay with us.

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Please visit our recruitment support page for advice on completing your application.

Job overview

Cultural Inclusion Agents (CIAs) (formerly known as Cultural Ambassadors)

The East of England Ambulance Service is about to embark on training 30 new Cultural Inclusion Agents (CIAs). The name change from Cultural Ambassador to Cultural Inclusion Agents reflects the broadening of the remit from race and religion to all 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The term 'Inclusion' emphasizes our aim to foster an inclusive environment without losing the focus on culture.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Cultural Ambassador programme was initiated by EEAST in November 2020, with 15 Cultural Ambassadors trained and the programme launched in January 2022. It is an award-winning initiative targeting inequality in recruitment and employee relations systems and processes.

The new Cultural Inclusion Agents will demonstrate EEAST's commitment to staff with any of the 9 protected characteristics.

The case for Change:

We recognize that to make a difference, we must challenge unconscious bias and discrimination at its core and implement mechanisms to ensure fair and consistent processes that meet the needs of our diverse staff.

Recent weeks have seen three equality surveys (BME, LGBT+, Disability), with reports shared. Key themes emerging include:

• A lack of cultural awareness and ignorance of cultural differences
• Inappropriate leadership behaviors by line managers
• Possible discrimination in policies

Staff feedback indicated a desire for more Cultural Ambassadors with an expanded remit covering all 9 protected characteristics.

Main duties of the job

The Cultural Inclusion Agent Role:

This is a voluntary role within EEAST. CIAs will provide independent support and guidance during investigations, disciplinary, grievance, or interview panels, especially when allegations involve any of the 9 protected characteristics. CIAs will be full members of these teams, identifying and challenging issues of bias or discrimination observed during formal processes, ensuring these are considered in decision-making.

Working for our organization

• Build trust with colleagues.
• Identify and challenge cultural or inclusion issues during formal processes.
• Identify and challenge acts of bias.
• Receive training and support to perform their role effectively.
• Be included as part of investigation and disciplinary teams.
• Experience the impact of their role in promoting fair outcomes.
• Contribute to recruiting and retaining staff.
• Enhance the Trust's reputation.

What is on offer to you as a Cultural Inclusion Agent:

• Four half-day virtual training sessions, including role play in July and September 2023.
• Bi-monthly meetings with local leads.
• Bi-monthly action learning sets with other CIAs.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Skills required by a Cultural Inclusion Agent:

• Effective communication, influencing, and challenging skills in a supportive manner.
• Ability to promote good practice and influence others.
• Strong analytical skills to review data and develop options.
• Basic understanding of Equality and Human Rights legislation.
• Assertiveness, confidence, and self-motivation.
• Solution-focused approach to support colleagues.
• Ability to produce accurate reports and maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of policies on Bullying and Harassment, Grievance and Disciplinary procedures, Equality of Opportunity, and Equality Analysis.

Who can become a Cultural Inclusion Agent?

Anyone with a good understanding of equality, inclusion, and cultural issues from an NHS or EEAST perspective.

Abstraction:

Permission from the line manager is required before volunteering. The training requires a total of 4 days, and CIAs must be flexible due to possible short-notice case assignments.

Interested employees must complete an expression of interest form, endorsed by their manager. This form will be provided separately after application submission.

References and Employment History:

References from the last 3 years of employment are required, covering current and previous employers. Please provide HR contact details and manager information on your application.

All appointments are subject to a clean disciplinary record.

EEAST enforces a No Smoking Policy throughout the Trust.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

If you consider yourself disabled and meet the minimum criteria, you will be guaranteed an interview, provided you demonstrate this in your application.

EEAST values diversity and encourages applications regardless of age, race, religion, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage, pregnancy, or disability.