EDI Consultant

Job Introduction

Together, we’re delivering the future together and becoming an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. To achieve our goals, we need to transform how we work by redesigning our organisational structure, so we’re set up for success and sustainability in the future. 

Our HR & Cultural Change service is at the start of its journey, to fundamentally change how it works to deliver Our People and Culture Strategy, helping to make sure the organisation is well-equipped to respond to opportunities and challenges, now and in the future. 

About us 

At Oxfordshire County Council, we are proud to be a forward-thinking organisation that places people at the heart of everything we do. Our People & Culture Strategy is built on the belief that a thriving, inclusive, and empowered employee community is key to delivering outstanding services to the people we serve. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to bring their whole selves to work. 

Our HR & Cultural Change service plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation. We are a team that dares to do things differently, embraces innovation, and works collaboratively to deliver meaningful change. As we continue to evolve, we are looking for an experienced and passionate Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Consultant to join us and lead the delivery of our Inclusive Workplace ambitions. 

About the role

This is a strategic role with a clear purpose: to embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) into the very fabric of our organisation. As our EDI Consultant, you will be responsible for delivering the Inclusive Workplace pillar of our ‘Including Everyone 2025–2029’ strategy. You will work in close partnership with colleagues across our organisation (including our Senior Policy Officer forEqualities, strategic leadership team, and our vibrant colleague inclusion networks), to ensure that inclusion is not just a value we hold, but a reality we live. 

You will lead the development and implementation of innovative, future-focused initiatives that foster a supportive and inclusive employee community. Your work will ensure that our people reflect the diversity of Oxfordshire, that lived experiences are recognised and valued, and that inclusion is considered in every aspect of the employee lifecycle. 

This role also carries a strong leadership and advocacy component. You will support our leaders and managers to model inclusive behaviours, celebrate success, and take accountability when things go wrong. You will be a visible champion for inclusion, helping to create a safe and empowering environment for all colleagues. 

In line with our corporate accountabilities, you will be expected to deliver high-quality services, take ownership of your professional development, work collaboratively across teams, and act as a role model for professionalism and integrity. You will also be responsible for ensuring that resources are used wisely and that risks are proactively managed. 

About You

You are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. You bring significant experience of designing and delivering impactful EDI initiatives, ideally within a complex public sector or similarly diverse environment. You are confident working with senior stakeholders and have a proven ability to influence, challenge and inspire. 

You are a natural collaborator who thrives in a matrix environment, and you understand the importance of working across boundaries to achieve shared goals. You are also a skilled communicator, able to engage diverse audiences and translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages. 

Above all, you are passionate about creating a fair and inclusive workplace culture. You believe in the power of inclusion to drive performance, innovation and wellbeing, and you are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of colleagues across the organisation. 

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working
• Technology to support agile working
• 30 days’ holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Following our service redesign, the new HR & Cultural Change operating model ensures everyone has clarity on their role and remit, while reinforcing a ‘one team’ ethos. This is an exciting time to join us, as we take the next steps in our service together.   

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk