Equality & Safeguarding Manager

Equality & Safeguarding Manager - Band 7
Location: Belfast
Salary: £23.37 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Duration: Temporary, Full-Time
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday
Access NI: Basic clearance required

Application Deadline: 5pm 23rd September

Apple Recruitment are currently recruiting for an Equality & Safeguarding Manager (Band 7) on behalf of a public sector organisation based in Belfast.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion professional to support the implementation of equality and inclusion objectives, contribute to safeguarding services and provide specialist advice across a large organisation.

Key Duties

• Lead the implementation of the organisation's Equality Scheme, Disability Action Plan and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion objectives.
  Develop best practice approaches and mechanisms to support compliance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and relevant equality requirements.
  Develop policies and guidance relating to equality of opportunity, Section 75 and associated legislation and Government policy.
  Monitor developments in legislation, policy and best practice relating to equality of opportunity and good relations.
  Develop and maintain systems for policy screening and equality impact assessment.
  Maintain effective relationships with statutory consultees and associated consultative groups.
  Develop and maintain systems for equality monitoring of key services.
  Manage and prepare responses to Freedom of Information requests, Subject Access Requests, Assembly Questions and other statutory requests relating to equality.
  Manage and prepare responses to equality-related complaints and assist with safeguarding complaints.
  Develop and maintain policies and procedures to improve access to information and services for customers and staff.
  Provide specialist advice and support to managers and employees on equality, diversity and inclusion matters.
  Build and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
  Work collaboratively with Human Resources to deliver business and HR objectives associated with Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Safeguarding initiatives.
  Assist with the review and implementation of policies relating to equality, inclusion, diversity and safeguarding.
  Design and deliver appropriate training on relevant policies, legislation and guidance.
  Support the management of safeguarding and statutory compliance, including advice and guidance, liaison with Health and Social Care organisations, referrals, staff training and policy development.
  Support outreach and awareness initiatives, monitoring of equality data, statutory responses and communications.
  Manage Equality, Diversity and Inclusion projects and support EDI steering groups and workstreams.
  Plan, coordinate and deliver diversity events and engagement activities with internal and external stakeholders.
  Provide specialist advice, guidance and support to staff, managers and stakeholders regarding opportunities to increase diversity and inclusion.
  Contribute to consultation responses and support delivery of actions within affirmative action plans.
  Research, develop and review EDI policies in accordance with best practice and the legislative context.
  Lead EDI-related project work using appropriate project management principles.
  Prepare business cases, tenders and quotations in line with relevant financial and procurement regulations.
  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of equality guidance, legislation and best practice.
  Provide a high level of internal and external customer service, taking ownership of queries and complaints through to completion.
  Represent and provide support and cover for the EDIS Manager as required.

Essential Criteria Applicants must meet the following:

• Possess either:
• A degree or equivalent level qualification (Level 6 ) in a relevant subject matter e.g. Human Resources, Law, Public/Social Policy, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; OR
  A degree or equivalent level qualification (Level 6 ) and relevant underpinning knowledge and experience demonstrated by continuing professional development which will normally include relevant training and qualifications.

Can demonstrate at least 3 years' experience managing a range of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives to meet organisational EDI objectives in a large organisation.

Can demonstrate significant relevant experience in at least 3 of the following 4 areas:

• Ensuring compliance with equality legislation and S75 of the NI Act 1998.
  Evaluation of equality, diversity and inclusion actions and initiatives, maintaining appropriate records and reporting on impact.
  Leading consultation, equality screening and equality impact assessments in relation to internal and external policy and practice and engagement with stakeholders.
  Development, coordination and delivery of equality, diversity, inclusion training, engagement activity or awareness initiatives.

Provision of advice and guidance to managers and staff regarding equality, diversity and inclusion.

Candidates will be assessed against the competencies in the Senior Leader section of the Housing Executive Competency Framework throughout the recruitment and selection process, with particular relevance to:

• Customer focused - We listen to the voice of the customer.
  Collaborate - We build credibility with our networks.
  Achieve - We set direction, take ownership and deliver what we have agreed.
  Effective decision maker - We make timely decisions and effective recommendations.
  Solution focused - We promote a solution orientated mindset.

Candidates will be required to work occasionally outside normal working hours and should have appropriate access to transport to enable them to undertake the role.

How to Apply If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV to Darcie at .

Please ensure your CV is accurate and up to date, including your full employment history, qualifications and current contact details.

All details will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.