Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor - 29583

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. On starting in this role you will be welcomed into a highly inclusive team and given all the training and support you will need to thrive. We are seeking a talented person to help shape, coordinate and contribute to the delivery of the programme of work which will help to achieve the ambition in the Environment Agency's People Strategy (see additional information document), including our aim to be best employer for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the country. As a member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team within the People and Inclusion department, you will be expected to work flexibly to lend your skills to organisational priorities. Your focus will be on supporting our EDI programme to ensure that the Environment Agency attracts, recruits, supports and retains the people, skills, capability and capacity we need to respond to climate and biodiversity emergencies and to achieve the ambition in the Environment Agency's five year plan, EA2025, and beyond. You'll work as part of a collaborative three-way relationship procuring expertise from Defra Group HR professionals and working with local and national Environment Agency teams, to both shape and implement an organisation-wide approach to deliver the People Strategy. The role will include working across virtual teams and influencing across a broad range of stakeholders. This role will also require you to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises. Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency. Please see the candidate pack for more information. The team The People & Inclusion department is an inclusive, diverse and passionate new team within the Strategy, Transformation & Assurance Directorate. Our vision is for the organisation to thrive and improve so we can create better places for people, wildlife and the environment. We work with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that priorities are informed by evidence and insight; people can be their best selves at work; and frontline delivery is efficient, equitable and sustainable., Description: Works successfully, with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and ensuring that work is managed so that everyone is able to deliver their best. Actively encourages others to consider diversity issues in their work. Please read the candidate pack for further information for a link to our competencies/ capabilities. Question: Please describe a tangible improvement you have made for equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. You may want to consider the following in your answer:

• What was the situation?
• What was your role?
• What did you do and why?
• What obstacles did you encounter and how did you overcome these?
• What was the outcome?, Description: Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
Please read the candidate pack for further information for a link to our competencies/ capabilities. Question: Please describe a challenging goal that you have set for yourself and the steps that you took to achieve it You may want to consider the following in your answer:
• Why did you set yourself this goal?
• How did you plan and prioritise your work to meet your goal?
• How did you monitor progress?
• What was the outcome?
• What were your learning points and is there anything you would do differently if in a similar position in the future?, Description: Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
Please read the candidate pack for further information for a link to our competencies/ capabilities. Question: Please describe an example of a time when you have had to analyse and interpret data or evidence and present it to various audiences. You may want to consider the following in your answer:
• What was the situation?
• What data or evidence did you work with and why?
• How did you ensure the quality of the data/evidence?
• How did you present it?
• What feedback did you receive?, PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Description: Develops and maintains effective working relationships Please read the candidate pack for further information for a link to our competencies/ capabilities. Question: Using an example, please tell us about a time you have had to build, sustain and at times, persuade a network of support with customers, stakeholders or colleagues to deliver a goal. You may want to consider the following in your answer:
• What was the situation?
• What approach did you take?
• How did influence your network to deliver?
• What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome them?
• What was the outcome?
You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach (see https://environmentagencycareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/) when formulating your response. Other approaches are available that may be better suited to your way of working, please use whatever reflects you best If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team. We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

You will have a track record of delivering tangible improvements in EDI with a passion for equity and helping people realise their full potential, a proven commitment to inclusivity and appreciation of diversity. You will demonstrate professionalism, integrity, compassion and a flexible approach to work. You will be adaptable and resilient under pressure, and enjoy working as part of a supportive team. Your experience will demonstrate essential skills in:
• Working collaboratively and influentially with others
• Building effective relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Planning and delivering effective communication and engagement for varied audiences and purposes
• Analysing complex issues to identify opportunities and risks
• Good judgement, independent problem solving and decision making skills and ability to self-start
• Planning and delivering projects with tight timescales and budgets
• Flexibility, resilience and determination to meet changing demands, and thriving in an exciting, high-pressure role.
  
  The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.