Head of EDIS (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health)

Job Title: Head of EDIS (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health)
Reporting to: Director of Development & External Relations
Responsible for: Line-management of two staff (EDIS Community Manager, EDIS Programme Manager) and responsible for the wider EDIS team, including the EDIS Programme Officer and Events Officer
Based: Our Head Office is based in Kensington, London SW7, but we have an agile working policy enabling people to work at another UK location up to 4 days/week. Requests for permanent remote working will be considered and we welcome applications from people based in other parts of the UK.
Terms: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent. Requests for part-time or flexible working will be considered
Salary: £46,811 - £57,416 per annum

About Us

The British Science Association (BSA) was founded in 1831 and is a registered charity.

We are creating a future where science is more relevant, representative, and connected to society.

We have ambitious goals to put people at the heart of science.

About the Role

EDIS is a coalition of organisations working to improve equality, diversity and inclusion within the science and health research sectors. Originally established by The Francis Crick Institute (The Crick), Wellcome Trust (Wellcome) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the British Science Association (BSA) has recently taken over the hosting of the coalition (from February 2026), working in partnership with the Crick, and funded by a seven-year grant from Wellcome.

The new Head of EDIS will provide strategic leadership for the EDIS programme, positioning EDIS as a trusted, influential voice and source of sector support on equity, diversity and inclusion across science and health research.

EDIS is a long-term programme with national reach. The Head of EDIS will be responsible for shaping and implementing the EDIS strategy in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring activities are valued by members and aligned with the coalition s values and objectives and contributing to the long-term sustainability and evolution of the programme beyond the grant period. The role holder will lead a dedicated team, cultivate a culture of inclusivity, and champion the impact of EDIS across and beyond the coalition, ultimately supporting the advancement of equitable practices and opportunities in science and health.

Key responsibilities

Develop and deliver the EDIS strategy

• Review and update the EDIS strategy, working with key stakeholders, including developing an implementation plan, KPIs and a theory of change.
• Lead on engagement with EDIS members and prospective members, the EDIS Advisory Group, and senior external stakeholders including funders, policy makers and national bodies to shape and deliver the EDIS strategy.
• Oversee delivery of the EDIS strategy, reporting on progress and collecting, using and sharing evidence, evaluation and learning to shape priorities, activities and outputs.

Recruit, lead, support and champion the EDIS team

• Recruit the core EDIS team, with direct line management responsibilities for the EDIS Programme Manager and EDIS Community Manager.
• Develop a strong, collaborative team culture for EDIS, reflecting the values of the BSA and of EDIS, and inspiring the team to develop and contribute to the programme and strategy.
• Champion the work of EDIS across the BSA and more widely.

Develop and deliver EDIS activities

• Network and build strong relationships with EDIS members and prospective members.
• Support and work with the EDIS team to deliver the embedding EDI workstream of the EDIS Strategy, and to provide overall co-ordination on the delivery of the other workstreams (Inclusive Research and Inclusive Leadership), including the development of shared definitions, principles, frameworks and practical guidance for the sector.
• Provide strategic oversight of EDIS activities, working closely with the BSA Grants (Community Engagement) team and our partners at the Crick.
• Act as a senior advocate and spokesperson for EDIS, working closely with the Policy & Public Affairs team to influence policy and practice and to position EDIS as a credible, evidence-led voice on EDI.

Support the EDIS membership

• Consult and collaborate with the EDIS members, and prospective members, to ensure that their views are listened and responded to.
• Steward current and prospective EDIS members, ensuring there is a vibrant, engaged community and membership offer. This may require regular travel, particularly to London.
• Lead on the sharing of insights and updates to EDIS members on key developments and updates.
• Work closely with Head of Fundraising and Membership to grow the EDIS membership, and to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of EDIS.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience of developing and delivering EDI strategies and Experience in leading a significant project, programme or discrete area, setting strategy, and influencing stakeholders towards its aims and objectives.

The closing date for applications is Monday 13 April at 12 noon.

First round interviews are due to take place in the week commencing Monday 20 April 2026, with second round interviews taking place on Tuesday 5 May and Wednesday 6 May 2026.

You will be informed as soon as possible after the application deadline whether you have been selected for interview.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

As part of the British Science Association s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme.

No agencies please.