ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON:
The University of East London has been pioneering futures since 1898: from the 2nd Industrial Revolution through to where we are now, the 4th. Vision 2028 has been developed to transform our curriculum, pedagogy, research impact and partnerships to make a positive difference to student, graduate and community success. Our ambitious but achievable goal is to become the leading careers-focused, enterprising university in the UK, one which both prepares our students for the jobs of the future and drives forward that future sustainably and inclusively.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Dean of the Office for Institutional Equity will work with the Vice-Chancellor & President in addition to the University Provost and Executive Deans to advance an inclusive, equitable, respectful and anti-racist environment for all within the University of East London community.
The role provides leadership, oversight, support, and co-ordination for those issues with regard to diversity, inclusion, harassment, discrimination and equal opportunity through collaboration and strong relationships with other key partners. As a member of the University’s Management Board and an attendee of University Executive Board, the position of Dean of the OIE will be both a challenging and rewarding one. With the ability to advocate and influence across the University, support and challenge institutional performance in closing attainment and employment gaps, the Dean will lead a programme of training, engagement, accreditation, monitoring and integrated practice improvement. The Dean will work collaboratively with the other units to improve the quality of life for students, staff, and faculty at the University of East London.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinating and overseeing university programmes to assure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, processes, best practices and training;
- Providing tangible and accessible guidance as to how the university can incorporate equity and diversity into its infrastructure (e.g. messaging, climate, culture);
- Ensuring thorough and prompt investigation and resolution of discrimination and harassment complaints from students and employees;
- Consulting with and providing guidance to senior leadership, administrators, managers, and supervisors about non-discrimination policies, procedures, best practices and strategies to increase diversity, inclusion, and retention;
- In partnership with University Human Resources, designing effective strategies to increase diversity in employment and identifying best practices for recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention of faculty and staff;
- Designing, implementing and advocating for inclusive educational practices;
- Overseeing development of training/education programmes aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and skills and providing exposure to the campus community on various aspects of intercultural competency;
- Overseeing development of training/education programmes aimed at identifying, preventing, and reporting discrimination, harassment and sexual violence for students and employees;
- Developing and maintaining communication strategies (web, print, media, etc.) to raise awareness of available resources and to enhance the university’s policies, best practices, and programmes;
- Producing annual monitoring and improvement reports, securing associated accreditations and diversity & inclusion best practice recognition and responding to inquiries, consultations and audits;
- Other leadership and management duties and responsibilities as assigned.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
Essential criteria;
- PhD or equivalent professional recognition (A/C)
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential criteria;
- A track record in leading and managing positive organisational change in a large, complex institution, for example as Head of Department, Associate Dean, Dean, Pro-Vice Chancellor (A/I)
- Extensive experience managing, directing and improving outcomes regarding equality, diversity & inclusion, with in-depth knowledge of related regulations and policies (A/I)
- Experience of coordinating/evidence of substantive contribution to successful applications for EDI accredited Charter Marks such as Athena SWAN and Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter (A/I)
- Experience in handling high-level, sensitive, and confidential matters and information (A/I)
- A working knowledge of employment legislation that relates to discrimination, sexual harassment and other relevant areas (A/I)
- Experience of handling cross-cultural issues (I)
COMMUNICATION:
Essential criteria;
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills (A/I)
- Academic credibility and reputation to advocate and influence effectively (I)
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Essential criteria;
- Investigation and conflict resolution skills (I)
- Strong analytical and writing skills (A/I)
- Computer proficiency and experience analysing statistical data (A/I)
- Openness and commitment to continuous learning/improvement and a positive attitude to change (A/I)
- Ability to foster collaboration across campus and in a diverse professional setting (A/I)
Criteria tested by Key: A = Application form C = Certification I = Interview T = Test
The University of East London has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign, please apply below by uploading your CV & Cover Letter or call Kaye Powell on 07387238343 or email Kaye.powell@searchhigher.com for a confidential conversation. Previous applicants need not apply.