Race Equity Taskforce

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

An organization promoting race equity in Birmingham seeks a Race Equity Taskforce Member to influence policy and represent community voices. This unpaid role requires a strong commitment to race equity, with the ability to engage with diverse communities. You will advocate for inclusion, promote data-informed decisions, and build trusted relationships. The position entails a two-year term with opportunities to shape WMCA policies and monitor outcomes. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and applications should highlight relevant experience and insights.

Benefits

Expense reimbursement

Qualifications

• Strong connection to communities across the West Midlands.
• Deep knowledge of race equity and inclusion.
• Experience influencing policy or strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Shape and challenge WMCA policies around race equity.
• Build relationships with communities and represent their perspectives.
• Monitor progress and public reporting on outcomes.

Skills

Community engagement

Policy influence

Data analysis

Collaborative problem-solving

Job description

Race Equity Taskforce Member

Make a real impact. Champion race equity across the West Midlands.

The Race Equity Taskforce (RET) is a strategic partnership launched by the WMCA Board to tackle racial disparities and improve opportunities for all communities. Led by Independent Chair Pat Carvalho, the RET brings together experienced leaders to embed race equity into regional strategy, influence policy, amplify community voices, and hold WMCA and its partners accountable.

We are seeking experienced leaders with a proven track record of advocating for communities and influencing strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities

As a member of the Race Equity Taskforce, you will:

• Shape and challenge WMCA policies to embed race equity.
• Build trusted relationships with communities and represent their perspectives.
• Promote the use of equity data and support Health and Equity Impact Assessments.
• Champion community‑led approaches and help scale effective practice.
• Monitor progress and contribute to public reporting on outcomes.
• Advocate for inclusion, anti‑racism, and intersectional leadership.
• Participate in WMCA activity and Mayoral Taskforces.

Who We Are Looking For

Essential

You will demonstrate:

• A strong connection to communities across the West Midlands.
• Deep knowledge of, and sustained commitment to, race equity and inclusion.
• Experience influencing policy, systems, or strategic decision‑making.
• The ability to represent diverse communities beyond your own personal background.
• Skill in using data and insight to inform advice, alongside active listening and constructive challenge.
• A collaborative, solutions‑focused, and strengths‑based approach.
• The ability to commit approximately 5 hours per month.
• High standards of independence, integrity, and professional conduct.

Desirable

• Experience influencing Government or national policy.
• Expertise in regional policy areas such as jobs and skills, housing, transport, economic growth, or the environment.
• Leadership experience within the Voluntary, Community, Faith, or Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sectors.
• Experience in philanthropy, investment, or funding decision‑making.

Role Details

• Two‑year term, reviewed annually
• Unpaid role; reasonable expenses reimbursed
• Appointments will be made on merit, while also taking account of the need for the Taskforce to reflect the diversity of the West Midlands’ places and communities

Application Process

As part of your application, you will be asked to:

• Outline your career history (this may include voluntary, community, or non‑traditional roles)
• Complete a diversity monitoring questionnaire to help ensure the Taskforce reflects the communities it serves
• Submit a personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining:
  • Your motivation for joining the Race Equity Taskforce
  • The skills and experience you would bring to the role
  • How you would add value to the Taskforce’s work

Your responses should demonstrate strategic insight and the ability to advocate beyond your immediate community or professional background.

Scenario Questions

Strategic advice

Give an example of when you influenced a policy, system, or decision to improve outcomes. What was your approach, what impact did it have, and how did you resolve conflict or build partnerships to achieve change?

Community voice

The Taskforce must amplify the voices of many. Give a specific example of how race inequalities affect a community. How would you help WMCA understand people’s experiences and find ways to address the issue?

Questions or Adjustments

For any questions or if you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments, please email [e-mail]. You can also get in touch with Racial Equalities Taskforce Programme Manager Lucy Gosling [e-mail]

We welcome requests for adjustments and are committed to making this process as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Leaders of Voluntary, Community, Faith, or Social Enterprise organisations can also contribute through our Community Voices Network.

Attached documents

RET member role description - 2025.pdf
RET terms of reference - 2025.pdf
RET volunteers agreement - 2025.docx