Interim Head of EDI Programmes & Charters

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced EDI professional to provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of high-profile EDI programmes, charter commitments and institutional action plans.

As Interim Head of EDI Programmes and Charters, you will lead the delivery, governance and continuous development of major equality initiatives, ensuring progress against organisational priorities and maintaining momentum across a complex portfolio of work. You will provide strategic oversight of charter activity, including accreditation frameworks and associated action plans, while supporting the development and delivery of positive action programmes designed to improve representation, progression and inclusion.

Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across UCL, you will drive accountability, monitor progress, identify and manage risks, and ensure that EDI activity delivers meaningful outcomes. You will lead a specialist team, develop effective reporting frameworks and KPIs, and prepare high-quality reports and papers for senior governance groups.

This role will suit an experienced EDI professional who can combine strategic leadership with strong programme delivery. You will be comfortable navigating complex organisational environments, bringing people together around shared objectives and turning ambition into tangible and sustainable change.

Please note this is an internal 6-months secondment role available from 1st October 2026 until 1st March 2027 available to current UCL staff only. The role is offered on a hybrid working basis with currently a minimum of 2-days per week onsite at our London Kings Cross office (subject to change).

Job Ref: K76-00087

Closing Date: 08-09-2026 – 23:59 (UK time)

About you

We are looking for a highly credible and experienced EDI professional with a strong track record of leading complex programmes, institutional action plans and charter-related activity within large and multifaceted organisations.

You will bring a strong understanding of the EDI landscape and experience of translating organisational priorities into effective programmes of work. You will be confident working with senior stakeholders, providing strategic advice, influencing decision-making and establishing the governance and accountability needed to deliver progress.

You will bring significant experience of leading EDI programmes, projects or charter mark initiatives, with experience of working with frameworks such as Athena Swan, the Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident or similar accreditation and benchmarking schemes. You will have strong programme and project management skills, including experience of governance, risk management, performance reporting and the development of meaningful measures of progress.

You will be an experienced people leader with a track record of developing high-performing teams and creating the conditions for colleagues to deliver their best work. You will have a sound understanding of equality legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, positive action and reasonable adjustments, alongside exceptional communication, relationship-building and influencing skills.

You will be able to analyse complex information, use data and evidence to identify priorities, and translate insight into practical action. Above all, you will bring a demonstrable commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion through meaningful, measurable and sustainable organisational change.

What we offer

Standard UCL Benefits:

• 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
• Relocation support for eligible posts
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
• Discounted medical insurance

Salary: £68,284-£76,244Contract Type: Fixed-term (6 months)Working Pattern: Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week onsite at London Kings Cross office)Location: London