Deputy Head of Equality and Inclusion – Olympic Delivery Authority
Reference: DP 20
Reports to: Head of Equality and Inclusion (ODA)
Matrix Reporting: Head of Assurance (Delivery Partner)
Responsible for: The management of the Delivery Partner Equality and Inclusion Managers (Audit and Support), and Business Support Assistant.
Additional resources may become available as the ODA’s construction programme rolls out and the number of contractors increases.
Role description
As part of an integrated Equality Inclusion Team (see attached organagram) the Deputy Head of Equality and Inclusion is responsible for ensuring that the ODA’s equality and diversity strategy is implemented at all levels of the supply chain and through the procurement process.
Your ultimate goal is to ensure the ODA leaves a lasting legacy for equality in terms of a step-change in equality practice in the construction sector.
You will champion equality and inclusion with our contractors, ensuring they take the necessary action to meet the aims and outcomes of the ODA’s equality and diversity strategy in relation to employment and business opportunities.
You will ensure that the processes and systems required for equality and inclusion operate effectively as part of the Delivery Partner’s mainstream project and programme management systems.
You will ensure that the ODA’s impact on equality in the industry is spread as widely as possible, through the assessment of equality and diversity at all stages of the ODA’s procurement process.
Principal accountabilities
* Responsibility for ensuring delivery of the ODA’s Equality and Diversity strategy by all contractors in the supply chain by enforcing relevant policies and meeting specific targets through its procurement of services, its contractors and the supply chain.
* Fulfil the ambassadorial role for equality, diversity and inclusion with the supply chain, acting as the natural point of contact for Tier One contractors and mainstream contract managers within the Delivery Partner.
* Ensure effective operation of the process for assessing equality and diversity as part of the ODA’s procurement process at the stages of pre-qualification, invitation to tender and tender award; ensure the effective feedback is provided on equality and diversity to bidders at all stages – thus widening the ODA’s indirect impact on equality across the industry.
* Further develop and ensure effective implementation of systems throughout the supply chain for:
* Initial evaluation of contractors’ compliance with equality-related contractual obligations
* Supporting companies to develop and implement their equality and diversity action plans
* Ongoing audit and review of contractors’ performance on equality
* Ensure that contractors operate effective equality monitoring as part of a continuous improvement cycle, providing expert input on actions recommended as a result of review of equality monitoring data.
* Working closely with Project Managers and other senior colleagues in the ODA and Delivery Partner, ensure that all equality management processes and systems are mainstreamed as appropriate within general contract, project and programme management frameworks.
* Maximise the ownership of equality and diversity aims by contractors, facilitating their understanding of the business case for diversity.
* Develop and agree equality employment targets with Tier One contractors; ensure that contractors perform against these targets, recommending appropriate action in cases of failure.
* Liaise with external bodies concerned with promoting equality in the private sector, to maximise the impact of the ODA’s programme on the wider industry.
* Oversee the development and effective operation of a 2012 Equality and Diversity Awards Scheme.
* Deputise for the Head of Equality and Inclusion in their absence.
* Resource and manage a team of equality, diversity and inclusion professionals to develop and/or contribute to policy development and implementation within your remit of responsibility.
Person specification
In your written application, please give evidence of proven experience in response to as many of the criteria listed in “Part One” of the Person Specification as possible.
These responses will be further developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview, together with the other criteria listed in “Part Two”.
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong record across a broad range of the criteria in both Part One and Part Two:
Part 1 – Key experience
* Proven track record of success in delivering equality, diversity and inclusion strategies/policies in a large, complex and politically sensitive environment under high public scrutiny; experience within a development, regeneration or construction setting is desirable but not essential.
* Demonstrable experience of delivering local business and employment opportunities through a large and complex supply chain.
* Experience and a good understanding of working with UK Equality Law, OJEU procurement frameworks and local labour schemes.
* Demonstrable experience of writing and implementing Race (RES), Disability (DES) and Gender (GES) Equality Schemes.
* Track record of working closely or within the public sector on diversity, equality and inclusion issues that in turn demonstrates a strong understanding of the ODA’s statutory obligations within these areas.
* Experience of successfully reporting on the performance of key equality and diversity objectives.
* Proven track record of success of working in partnership with a range of public and private sector organisations, effectively managing stakeholder issues relating to equality and diversity.
* Significant evidence of using representational / ambassadorial ability, particularly in the context of engaging government, public/private sectors and local communities.
Part 2 – Abilities, skills and knowledge
* Strong skills in contract management, stakeholder management, people management, project management and delivering strategy
* Ability to think and act strategically and to translate complex ideas into deliverable outcomes; able to respond quickly to changing complex circumstances whilst maintaining a clear view of overall priorities
* Highly developed oral, written and presentation skills with the ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner with a wide range of audiences
* Understanding the particular challenges associated with the role in the context of the area surrounding the Olympic Park within East London and in securing a lasting legacy for the region; similarly, an understanding of the employment, business opportunities and equality and diversity issues affecting the area, the Olympic boroughs and London as a whole
* Ability to deliver effective Contract Management strategies in pursuit of agreed goals, exercising judgement and making clear, informed, appropriate, pragmatic and timely decisions within a highly pressurised environment
* Highly developed interpersonal and team working skills, and a proven ability to form partnerships, motivate, enthuse and drive individuals and their application at an operational and strategic level
* Understanding of the diverse stakeholders within CLM’s remit and an appreciation of the strategies that may be needed to engage effectively with them
* An ability to effectively operate at all levels, including working with diverse local communities, through personal example, open commitment and clear action; an ability to develop positive relationships that generate confidence and respect at all levels with a diverse range of individuals, organisations and communities
* Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to influence decision-makers and stakeholders at the highest level
* A highly sophisticated appreciation of how to work effectively at the public/private/community interface
* A good understanding of programme management; proven ability, at the strategic level, to manage budgets, projects and programmes of work to defined, agreed targets and priorities
* A CIPD qualification or a relevant post-graduate degree would be an advantage, but is not essential
Personal style and behaviour
* Respected for a reputation and track record of delivering and getting things done
* A highly presentable and persuasive communicator; personal and professional demeanour/credibility that will command the immediate confidence of a range of stakeholders
* Articulate, dynamic, energetic, self-motivated, committed and enthusiastic
* Convincing in terms of a capacity to translate broad objectives into effective practical steps
* Leads by example; inclusive rather than exclusive; prepared to share expertise, know how and skills
* Commitment to the pre/post bid commitments made to London and the IOC and the Olympic values
* Commitment to driving the physical, social, environmental and economic priorities of the London 2012 programme
* Highly innovative; thinks outside traditional boundaries and ways of doing things; anticipatory – encouraging a forward-looking inquisitive approach that maximises opportunities before they are lost and that shrinks risk in good time
* High degree of probity and integrity; committed to the activities and actions of the London 2012 programme and a commitment to the Olympic values.
