Neurodiversity Project Officer

TN United Kingdom; Norwich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Neurodiversity Project Officer to lead a transformative initiative aimed at promoting equality and diversity within research culture. This role involves managing a collaborative project that focuses on enhancing awareness around neurodiversity, delivering training programs, and fostering a supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills and a deep understanding of EDI principles, enabling them to create impactful training and networking events. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the workplace and beyond.

Qualifications

• Experience in project management, preferably in EDI or related initiatives.
• Strong understanding of EDI and its impact in the workplace.
• Experience of developing engaging content and events.

Responsibilities

• Manage a collaborative neurodiversity project and deliver training programs.
• Coordinate events and workshops to enhance understanding of neurodiversity.
• Monitor project progress and report outcomes to stakeholders.

Skills

Project Management

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Communication Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Neurodiversity Awareness

Education

Degree Level Education

Five GCSEs Grade A-C

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Teams

SharePoint

Job description

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The John Innes Centre, an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. It is committed to promoting a positive research culture and providing an inclusive environment which promotes equality and diversity, develops leaders, and operates within an effective governance framework. The Institute's Research Culture Statement outlines our aspirations and ambitions for research culture and, within this, improving neurodiversity training and awareness was identified as a priority.

This Neurodiversity Project Officer will be responsible for implementing, delivering, monitoring, and reporting on a BBSRC-funded ‘Connecting Culture Project’. This project aims to foster cross-institutional activities and sharing of best practice. The project, led by JIC, will focus on increasing awareness around neurodiversity and celebrating the value it brings. The project seeks to establish a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodiverse staff and students through combining training, awareness building and networking activities.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about EDI, research culture and our science, who can confidently manage a collaborative neurodiversity project, including the delivery events and the creation of written and digital content to promote the activities. The post holder will be able to interact with a range of people at different levels both internally and externally and will understand how and why valuing neurodiversity is important.

Key Relationships

The post is line managed by the Head of the Directorate and will work closely with the NBIP Research Culture and EDI Manager.
This role involves close collaboration with HR, the Communications and Engagement team and members of the EDI working groups and staff and students at JIC.



The post will collaborate with key staff at Earlham Institute and Quadram Institute Biosciences and at the other BBSRC Institutes, to deliver training, workshops, and networking/information sharing events designed to enhance understanding of and support for neurodiversity. The post will need to work with external organisations or consultants with expertise in neurodiversity.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

The John Innes Centre, an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. It is committed to promoting a positive research culture and providing an inclusive environment which promotes equality and diversity, develops leaders, and operates within an effective governance framework. The Institute's Research Culture Statement outlines our aspirations and ambitions for research culture and, within this, improving neurodiversity training and awareness was identified as a priority.

This Neurodiversity Project Officer will be responsible for implementing, delivering, monitoring, and reporting on a BBSRC-funded ‘Connecting Culture Project’. This project aims to foster cross-institutional activities and sharing of best practice. The project, led by JIC, will focus on increasing awareness around neurodiversity and celebrating the value it brings. The project seeks to establish a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodiverse staff and students through combining training, awareness building and networking activities.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about EDI, research culture and our science, who can confidently manage a collaborative neurodiversity project, including the delivery events and the creation of written and digital content to promote the activities. The post holder will be able to interact with a range of people at different levels both internally and externally and will understand how and why valuing neurodiversity is important.

Key Relationships

The post is line managed by the Head of the Directorate and will work closely with the NBIP Research Culture and EDI Manager.
This role involves close collaboration with HR, the Communications and Engagement team and members of the EDI working groups and staff and students at JIC.



The post will collaborate with key staff at Earlham Institute and Quadram Institute Biosciences and at the other BBSRC Institutes, to deliver training, workshops, and networking/information sharing events designed to enhance understanding of and support for neurodiversity. The post will need to work with external organisations or consultants with expertise in neurodiversity.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Project management
• Project management of a collaborative neurodiversity project.
• Budget management
• Organisation of the neurodiversity session at the Connecting Culture conference in Spring 2025.
Training
• Coordinate and manage the delivery of neurodiversity training programmes, including online modules and in-person workshops.
• Assess and review success of pilot programmes. Gather and analyse feedback and identify actions to tailor training activities to achieve desired outcomes.
• Work with external partners and service providers to tailor training and resources to meet the needs of the BBSRC Research Institute community.
• Work closely with staff at the other BBSRC Institutes to ensure they have access to the training.
• Engage with staff and students to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of training and initiatives and to share key outcomes.
Networks/Sharing best practice
• Foster collaboration and sharing of best practices across BBSRC institutes through the establishment and maintenance of networks.
• Work closely with delivery partners and others to develop, promote and co-ordinate events and activities.
Reporting
• Monitor project progress, evaluate outcomes and produce a report on the outcome for BBSRC.
• Identify and develop key metrics to assess and measure the success of training and awareness interventions.
• Report on the success of training and awareness interventions against desired outcomes.
Communications
• Participate in the development and dissemination of communications materials to raise awareness and celebrate neurodiversity in liaison with Communications Team.
• Support the development of written and designed content to raise awareness of the Connecting Cultures neurodiversity initiatives and sharing information through a range of communications channels.
• Develop campaigns to raise awareness of and encourage uptake of new training programmes.
As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

RequirementFive GCSEs grade A-C (including English) or equivalentRelevant Professional QualificationEducated to degree level

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

RequirementStrong understanding of EDI and its impact in the workplaceHighly proficient in Microsoft Office particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Acrobat, Teams and experience of SharePointUnderstanding of GDPR and data confidentialityExcellent understanding of neurodiversity

Relevant Experience

RequirementDemonstrated experience in project management, preferably in EDI or related initiativesExperience of developing content, events and activities that are informative, accurate and engagingExperience of working in a research institute or similar academic environmentExperience in assessing training impact through KPIs and metricsExperience of budget managementExperience in designing and delivering training and development programmes

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

RequirementHighly organised, with excellent time managementAbility to engage effectively with a diverse range of individuals and groupsExcellent organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise workloadAbility to work independently and collaboratively within a team environmentExcellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with claritySelf-motivated, proactive, confident, and approachableExperience of working with partnership organisations

Additional Requirements

RequirementAttention to detailWillingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to workAble to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the InstituteCommitment to personal development and continuous improvementPromotes equality and values diversityWillingness to work outside standard working hours, when required