Principal Policy Officer – Equalities

Greater London Authority; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working 3 days/week

Disability Confident Employer

Job summary

Greater London Authority is seeking an exceptional equality policy expert to lead a small team and advance the Mayor's priorities for tackling structural inequalities across London. You will support senior leaders and deliver equality initiatives in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The postholder will provide strategic advice, develop approaches and resources, and work with partners across the public, private and community sectors to embed equality considerations in policy development and

Qualifications

• Experience in social policy within a London context.
• Expert knowledge of equalities legislation in public bodies.
• Direct experience with groups sharing protected characteristics.
• Track record delivering multiple projects on time and budget.
• Experience with policy development in a complex political environment.
• Strong knowledge of stakeholders in London's social policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team and drive the Mayor’s equalities priorities.
• Develop and deliver statutory and non-statutory equality strategies.
• Provide expert advice on equalities legislation to the Mayor and senior officers.
• Collaborate across GLA and partners to embed equality in policy and delivery.
• Lead communications on policies and represent GLA at events and meetings.

Job description

Interview date: w/c 14 Dec 2026 (may be subject to change)

Communities & Skills

Collaborative, open, inclusive and fair - we work with and through partners to ensure Londoners can shape healthy, empowered and productive lives. Communities and Skills is led by Executive Director, Tunde Olayinka and is comprised of the following units: Civil Society & Sport, Communities & Social Policy, Group Public Health Unit, Skills and Employment and Health, Children and Young Londoners.

About the team

The Communities Team works with communities, civil society organisations, funders and public sector partners to help make London a fairer, more connected and inclusive city. We develop and deliver programmes that support communities to thrive, strengthen civil society and increase opportunities for Londoners to participate in their communities.

You’ll join a team working across a varied portfolio, with opportunities to contribute to policy development, programme delivery and partnership work. The team works closely with colleagues across the GLA and with organisations across London, so you’ll have the opportunity to build a wide network and see how your work contributes to the Mayor’s priorities.

About the role

We are looking for an exceptional, confident and passionate equality policy expert to lead a small team and drive forward the Mayor’s priorities for tackling structural inequalities across London.

As Principal Policy Officer for Equalities, you will support the Head of Communities and the Senior Manager for Engagement, Insight and Equalities in delivering the Mayor’s priorities to tackle structural inequalities and address the inequalities experienced by Londoners. This will include supporting the delivery of the Mayor’s Reducing Inequalities Mandate and leading projects and initiatives that improve outcomes for people with protected characteristics.

A key aspect of the role will be to lead the development and delivery of approaches, resources and tools that enable the GLA to meet its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, including the Public Sector Equality Duty and other relevant legislation. This will involve providing expert advice and guidance to teams across the organisation, helping them to understand how their work can better address inequalities and ensure that equality considerations are embedded in policy development, decision‑making and delivery.

The postholder will manage a small team and also provide strategic advice and expertise on equalities issues affecting Londoners to the Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, other members of the Mayor’s Office and the GLA’s Corporate Management Team. Through this work, the role will help ensure that the GLA is equipped to respond effectively to the experiences and needs of London’s diverse communities and make meaningful progress towards tackling structural inequalities.

What your day will look like

You’ll have a varied workload, managing a small team of officers, working with colleagues and partners to reduce structural inequalities in London. This could include the following:

• Contribute to setting the strategic direction of the GLA’s work on structural inequalities, including identifying, developing and managing a portfolio of policy and programme activity to advance the Mayor’s priorities.
• Lead the development of statutory and non‑statutory strategies and policies, including undertaking and overseeing research, analysis, option appraisals and consultation. Provide expert advice on equalities legislation and its application to GLA policies and programmes.
• Oversee, coordinate and quality assure expert advice, briefings and reports for the Mayor, Deputy Mayors and senior officers on structural inequalities, including responding to emerging issues and external developments. Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of relevant legislative, policy and social developments, identifying opportunities and risks that may affect the Mayor’s priorities.
• Work collaboratively across the GLA and wider GLA Group, and build strong relationships with partners across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors to ensure that equality considerations are embedded in relevant policies, programmes and projects, and inform their development and delivery.
• Lead and contribute to communications on the Mayor’s policies and priorities relating to structural inequalities, representing the GLA at meetings, seminars and conferences and through a range of media. Contribute to corporate and unit‑level planning and performance management, promoting equality of opportunity and recognising the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Professional experience, expertise and knowledge of social policy, in particular within a London context. Experience of working in a role or on projects focused on equalities will be advantageous.
• Expert knowledge of relevant equalities legislation and its role within the administration of public bodies.
• Direct experience of, or the ability to quickly develop expertise and understanding of, issues relevant to specific groups sharing protected characteristics.
• A track record of managing multiple projects successfully and delivering results on target and within budget.
• Experience and understanding of policy development processes within a complex political environment, including first rate analytical skills, the ability to think strategically and long term, and with an eye on how policy will be implemented in practice.
• Excellent knowledge of the stakeholders and relationships that are key to the development and delivery of social policy in London.

…is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people; and sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

• Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives
• Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities
• Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict
• Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect
• Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership

… is consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those upon whom our work has an impact; and is using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others’ expectations.

• Understands diverse stakeholder needs and tailors team deliverables accordingly
• Is a role model to others, encouraging them to think of Londoners first
• Manages stakeholder expectations, so they are high but realistic
• Removes barriers to understanding the needs of diverse stakeholders, including hard‑to‑reach groups
• Focuses own and team’s efforts on delivering a quality and committed service

… is setting high standards for oneself and others, and guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA’s objectives and statutory obligations.

• Motivates and inspires others to perform to their best, recognising and valuing their work and encouraging them to learn and reflect
• Sets clear direction and expectations and enables others to interpret competing priorities
• Agrees and monitors challenging, achievable performance objectives in line with GLA priorities
• Manages performance issues effectively to avoid adverse impact on team morale and performance
• Promotes a positive team culture that respects diversity and deals with barriers to inclusion

… is thinking ahead; managing time, priorities and risk; and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

• Monitors allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
• Ensures evaluation processes are in place to measure project benefits
• Gains buy‑in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders
• Implements quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard
• Translates political vision into action plans and deliverables

…is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints, and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.

• Clarifies ambiguous problems, questioning assumptions to reach a fuller understanding
• Actively challenges the status quo to find new ways of doing things, looking for good practice
• Seeks and incorporates diverse perspectives to help produce workable strategies to address complex issues
• Initiates consultation on opportunities to improve work processes
• Supports the organisation to implement innovative suggestions
  

… is understanding and being sensitive to organisational dynamics, culture and politics across and beyond the GLA and shaping our approach accordingly.

• Uses understanding of differences between the GLA and its partners to improve working relationships
• Helps others understand the GLA and the complex environment in which it operates
• Translates changing political agendas into tangible actions
• Considers the diverse needs of Londoners in formulating GLA objectives and programmes
• Helps others understand how the media and external perceptions of the GLA influence work

… is being flexible and adapting positively, to sustain performance when the situation changes, the workload increases, tensions rise or priorities shift.

• Clarifies direction and adapts to changing priorities and uncertain times
• Minimises the pressure of change for the directorate, lessening the impact for the team
• Uses change as an opportunity to improve ways of working, encouraging others’ buy‑in
• Keeps staff motivated and engaged during times of change, promoting the benefits
• Takes ownership for communicating change initiatives clearly, ensuring smooth implementation

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, Carla Garnelas, Head of Communities would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at [e-mail]

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some external candidates, in limited circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: w/c 14 December 2026 (may be subject to change)

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.

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