EDI Lead

About the Role

The role is responsible for coordinating and implementing the club and foundation's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy, impact and reporting. It provides EDI expertise and support across the club and foundation, ensuring the culture continues to progress positively. The post-holder works within the People Team and collaborates with the People Director, People Partners and other internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as EDI spokesperson and expert, ensuring Chelsea FC and Chelsea FC Foundation meet statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010 and maintaining a professional, business-like approach with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead the development and implementation of the club and foundation's EDI strategy, policies and processes with the People Director and People Partners.
• Implement the Premier League EDI Standard (PLEDIS), report against Rule N and drive continuous improvement.
• Work with club managers to set EDI objectives and support departments to achieve them through programmes and practices.
• Coordinate the Equality Working Group, Equality Advisory Group and related workstreams with the HR Director and Fan Engagement Manager.
• Identify and coordinate EDI events, including Mental Health & Wellbeing with the Engagement & Wellbeing Lead.
• Build strategic partnerships with other clubs, CCOs, equality organisations and external stakeholders, sharing knowledge and best practice.
• Provide specialist advice on fair recruitment and career development with Recruitment Specialists, and advise and support the BMC on EDI issues and data, including updates in meetings.
• Prepare and deliver EDI training, presentations and workshops, or engage providers, with L&D
• Help staff develop confidence and competence by modelling good practice and contributing to newsletter, intranet, external comms and good news stories
• And maintain and develop own knowledge and skills through regular training and professional development.
• Support the Facilities, Safety & Security Director on accessibility improvements in line with Accessible Stadia guides and access audits, and develop relationships with football and local stakeholder groups, including councils and community groups, with the Foundation.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• A high level of knowledge of the contemporary EDI landscape, including areas of underrepresentation in football, relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks and best practices.
• Knowledge of equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discrimination interventions in sport and wider industries/sectors.
• Understanding of how to work safely with children and/or adults at risk and uphold generally accepted practice when working with those participants.
• A balanced understanding of inclusion across all protected characteristics, and a passion for EDI and making a difference.
• Knowledge of equality training and learning methods.
• In-depth knowledge of the UK Equality legislative framework.
• An understanding of community engagement linked to sport and education.
• Understanding of safeguarding.
• Significant experience of working in a related environment.
• A proven track record of delivering successful EDI work and delivering real change in a comparative sector (sport or non-sport).
• Experience of writing and implementing policies and procedures.Experience of managing stakeholder relationships and programmes, with an appreciation of the importance of EDI in corporate and charity organisations.
• Evidence of a person-centred approach with an understanding of the rights, needs and best interests of groups currently under-represented.
• Experience of completing equality impact assessments.
• The ability to gain senior board-level buy-in and support in a professional, constructive and non-confrontational manner.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of the football environment, football pyramid and key stakeholders.
• Knowledge of EDI football equality initiatives and codes such as the PLEDIS and the Football Leadership Diversity Code.
• Existing awareness and/or experience of working with the community.
• Experience of charitable and/or PLCF reporting responsibilities (e.g. CCOP).
• Experience of working with children and/or adults at risk.
• Experience of developing and delivering inclusion projects within diverse communities.
• Experience of designing diversity projects with a focus on outcomes to measure success.
• Well networked across the sporting EDI landscape.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• CIPD Level 5-7.