Role Description

The Racial Justice Programme Lead is a pivotal new role tasked with spearheading the implementation of the Diocesan Racial Justice Strategy, an integral component of the Transforming Church. Together (TC.T) strategic plan. This role is responsible for ensuring Racial Justice Strategy implementation activities are aligned with the Diocese’s broader goals. The Programme Lead will direct the Racial Justice Team to drive the necessary initiatives and activities, fostering transformational change across the diocese’s churches, schools, and communities.

ACCOUNTABLE TO:

The Bishop of Bristol

TEAM:

The Racial Justice Team

HOURS:

42 hours/Six days a month, 72 days annually

SALARY

£29,592 on an initial 2-year contract

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

  • Bishop of Bristol
  • Bishops Council
  • Bishop’s Staff Team
  • Dean of Bristol Cathedral (and Missional Action and Advocacy lead)
  • Diocesan Secretary/CEO
  • Diocesan Synod
  • Racial Justice Team
  • Archdeacons and Associate Archdeacon
  • The TC.T Programme Team
  • Director of People, Safeguarding and ED+I
  • External Stakeholders and Partners
  • National Church Racial Justice Unit

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Act as the Bishop’s Advisor on Racial Justice and be a member of the Bishop’s Staff Team.
  • Lead the delivery of the Diocese of Bristol’s Racial Justice Strategy, managing short- and long-term goals, key deliverables, milestones and accountabilities with key stakeholders.
  • Act as the External Ambassador for the Diocese on matters of Racial Justice taking advice from the relevant stakeholder groups.
  • Ensure the design and delivery of Racial Justice activities and policies are aligned with best practices supporting racial justice and inclusion within the diocese, and in harmony with other Diocesan strategic priorities.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the diocese.

Team Collaboration and Implementation

  • Work closely with the Racial Justice Team to implement action plans, collaborating cross-functionally with the Bishop’s Staff Team, Senior Leadership Team, Diocesan Support Services, and key external stakeholders.
  • Provide leadership and direction to the Racial Justice Team on executing project plans and activities within the Racial Justice Strategy.
  • Work closely with the Director of People, Safeguarding and ED+I to ensure effective management of the Racial Justice Team, and intersectionality with ED+I activities.

Accountability and Reporting

  • The role holder is accountable primarily to the Diocesan Bishop, and will report progress with implementation to Diocesan Synod, Bishop’s Council, and the TC.T Programme Board annually.
  • Establish and implement clear reporting mechanisms in line with agreed Key Performance Indicators to demonstrate delivery of racial justice goals and plans. The Racial Justice Officer will report progress to the TC.T Programme Board every quarter.
  • Utilise Racial Justice project management data to inform the trajectory and development of activities across the workstream.
  • Provide Racial Justice advice and information to the Bishop’s Staff Team, and other key internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Work with Senior Clergy, the Diocesan Board of Finance, Senior Leadership Team and staff, and key external stakeholders to ensure the Bishop, Bishop’s Staff Team and Diocesan Support Services are held accountable and that Racial Justice outcomes are achieved.
  • Provide director-level liaison to external partner organisations and the media as appropriate.
  • Engage externally to establish a network of experts and organisations involved in racial justice.

Funding and Budget Management

  • Create, manage and forecast the annual racial justice budget to ensure the financial sustainability of Racial Justice activities.
  • Work with the Trusts and Grant manager to identify appropriate grant and future funding opportunities to support Racial Justice initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

  • Monitor and evaluate the impact of racial justice activities, making recommendations for improvements and adjustments as needed.
  • Stay updated with current trends, research, and best practices in racial justice to inform the Diocese’s strategy and activities.

The contractual location will be our Diocesan office in Stoke Gifford, however there will be an opportunity to explore and agree hybrid working arrangements which strike the right balance for the role holder and the Diocese. There may be the occasional need for out of normal office hours working (e.g. to attend meetings), for which time off in lieu will be granted. The role will involve some travel throughout the Diocese, and Nationally. Travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with the Diocesan Expenses Policy.

Safeguarding

The Diocese of Bristol is committed to safeguarding, safer recruiting practice and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS check will be made, and suitable training given. You will be expected to report any concerns relating to the safeguarding of children, young people or vulnerable adults in accordance with agreed procedures. If your own conduct in relation to the safeguarding of children, young people or vulnerable adults gives cause for concern, the Diocese Allegations Management procedure will be followed, alongside implementation of the Disciplinary Procedure as required.

This role is open to people of Global Majority Heritage, under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act (2010)