JOB DESCRIPTION. 4. DEPARTMENT: Student Support and Guidance. 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Reports to the Mentoring/Skills Development Manager

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Equality Officer 2. HRMS REFERENCE NUMBER: HR ROLE CODE: SEOSSGS 4. DEPARTMENT: Student Support and Guidance 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Reports to the Mentoring/Skills Development Manager 6. JOB PURPOSE: The role holder will be expected to implement and embed the University s equality and diversity policies and response to its equality and diversity duties as they relate to students. The role holder reports directly to the Student Skills Development Manager in the first instance and ultimately the Dean of Students, and working as an integral part of the SSG team. The role holder will also work closely with the Pro Vice Chancellor with responsibility for Equality and Diversity and the Equality Officer for staff (HR Manager Development and Diversity). The role holder will be expected to collate and analyse statistics and other relevant data relating to Equality and Diversity issues, to liaise with academic departments and external agencies, deliver training for students and staff, advise and support key contacts on Equality and Diversity, and collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to deliver events such as the annual Diversity Festival and support external Diversity and Equality events as appropriate. The role holder will also be an integral part of Student Support and Guidance supporting cross department initiatives such as Induction for new students. 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT VISION Striving to raise students individual, educational and personal aspirations encouraging active citizenship, integrity and responsibility. DEPARTMENT MISSION Facilitation a positive, self-directed student experience empowering students to achieve their full potential for the benefit of the wider society. (Updated June 2013) HR14024 SSG Equality Officer JD Sept 2014

2 Founded in 1839 as a teacher training college and created a University in 2005, Chester is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the UK. Growth has been fast in recent years and there are now over 10,500 students based across on two campuses and several hospital sites. In 1994, recognising the changes facing Higher Education and the challenges that these would present to students, the University established the department of Student Support & Guidance. The department co-ordinates a range of student services including welfare, disability and specific needs, careers and employability, student development and student discipline services. The department has an excellent record, reflected in a number of QAA commendations and Matrix accreditation, as well as through student satisfaction surveys. The Student Skills Development Service, one of 3 sections of Student Support and Guidance, is responsible for the provision of personal, academic, and employability development opportunities for all students, full and part-time. Annual records reflect a steady growth in demand, reflecting the increasing diversity of the student body. Continued expansion of student numbers has brought about an increase, not only in the number of calls made upon Student Skills Development, but also in the presentation of more complex student problems. Increasing student numbers, resulting in part from Widening Access initiatives, have led to greater demand being made of all support services. The University has a strong commitment to Equality and Diversity and is proud of its annual Diversity Festival which is recognised as an example of best practice within the sector. 8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 8.1 Communicating Effectively To respond to queries regarding equality issues from students and members of staff, over the telephone, through the internet/ , in person and by letter. To initiate contact with students, staff and external organisations to organise events. To contribute to the development and updating of University equality and diversity policies, guidance and schemes. To contribute to applications for charters awards as appropriate, e.g. Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. To produce publicity materials suitable for a range of audiences e.g. materials publicising the annual Diversity Festival. To produce reports on equality issues including progress towards institutional equality objectives and presentation of institutional data.

3 To keep members of the department informed about University equality data and external research in these areas, highlighting specific areas of interest to staff within the department. To update the format and content of Equality and Diversity internal and external webpages. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively The role holder does not have any line management responsibility but maybe required to supervise work based learning students as appropriate. To contribute to team development and to take part in cross department initiatives. 8.3 Liaison and Networking To work closely and liaise effectively with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Equality and Diversity and the Equality Officer for Staff (HR Manager Development and Diversity) on matters relating to Equality and Diversity across the University. To attend and participate as a proactive member of the Equality Scheme Working Group, the University Equality Forum and projectspecific working groups as required. To co-ordinate Staff Networks (e.g. LGBT staff group) as required. 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service To proactively respond to new equality legislation and guidance and take relevant steps to ensure the University s compliance. To contribute to continuous quality improvement both in the role holder's approach to their own work and in wider initiatives such as MATRIX and EFQM. 8.5 Effective Decision Making To make independent decisions within the scope of the role, for example, on contributors and events for the Diversity Festival. To contribute to decision making about the implementation and embedding of the University s strategy, policies and response to its duties regarding equality as they relate to students. To provide advice to others, e.g. students and members of academic staff to enable them to decide how to deal with an equality related issue. 8.6 Planning and Organising Self and Others To support the Student Skills Development Manager with the implementation of new student initiatives To take responsibility, with the Equality Officer for staff, for the organisation, delivery and smooth running of the annual diversity festival. This is a large scale, 2 week festival, usually with around 40 events.

4 8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) To resolve standard day to day queries and to use initiative to resolve more complex issues within the remit of the role. For example: o resolving organisational issues in relation to the Diversity Festival; o identifying improvements within administrative systems within own area. 8.8 Analysis and Research To collate and report University student equality data to relevant publications, staff and committees. To develop, maintain and regularly update key equality information resources and make these readily available to staff across the University. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands As expected for an office-based role Hazards are those associated with working with VDUs 8.10 Work Environment Role holder works in an office environment on different campuses and sites Role holder undertakes regular travel between campuses and sites 8.11 Pastoral Care and Welfare To show a basic sensitivity to those who may be upset, particularly with regard to equality issues or concerns Team Development To contribute to the induction of new colleagues as required Teaching and Learning Support To provide training and relevant guidance to specific groups of students e.g. Hall Wardens, ensuring they are aware of their individual responsibility with regard to equality and to promote the position the University takes in such matters With the Equality Officer for staff, to co-delver the one day Equality and Diversity in the Workplace workshop Knowledge and Experience See person specification below General University and Department procedures and standards must be adhered to at all times. To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you.

5 To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.

6 Job Title: Equality Officer PERSON SPECIFICATION Department: Student Support and Guidance Criteria Qualifications: Degree (or equivalent) Willingness to travel Full current UK driving license Proven Experience: A minimum of 1 year experience working within a learning environment Experience of working in an Equality/ Diversity related field Delivering academic and service excellence: The ability to produce a high standard of written reports and other materials. The ability to summarise and describe numerical data from a range of sources The ability to deliver a high level of results, meeting deadlines and being professional at all times Computer literacy and excellent keyboard skills. Managing self and inspiring others: The ability to effectively manage, organise and prioritise a heavy workload and meet deadlines. The ability to work well in a pressurised environment with constant interruptions. The ability to be self-motivated, show initiative and drive own area of work Ability to provide advice and guidance in a tactful and sensitive manner Ability to keep up to date with relevant guidance and legislation / Method of identification certificate Application form Application form Interview test Interview Interview Interview

7 Working together: Excellent communication skills with well-developed inter-personal skills. Experience of delivering training to others Interview, presentation Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 A practical working knowledge of Equality legislation. Knowledge of Higher Education Systems, presentation, presentation Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate s skills and abilities to the required criteria outlined (i.e. application form,, test)

8 UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE EQUALITY OFFICER SALARY SCALE University Scale OS6, points 19-22, 22,685-24,775 (pro rata) per annum payable monthly in arrears. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the postholder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOURS OF WORK hours per week, to be worked in line with the University s core hours which are detailed below: Monday to Thursday Friday 9:00am pm 9:00am pm (less a one hour lunch break each day) A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 125 hours per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 143 hours after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University operates two pension schemes for support staff: The default scheme is the Higher Education Defined Contribution Scheme (HEDCS), which is administered by Friends Life. The Cheshire Local Government Pension Scheme, to which the University is an admitted body.

9 All support staff are entitled to participate in one of these schemes. Some staff will be automatically enrolled into a scheme, depending on their age and earnings, but if they do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out after enrolment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Candidates should apply for this vacancy via our online recruitment website ( by Wednesday 1 st October 2014 quoting reference number HR14024