We are pioneers in girls’ education and aim to reshape the future of learning itself. We empower our girls to believe in themselves and value the positive contribution they can make to the world.
As part of this ambition, we are seeking an experienced and values-led Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping and embedding inclusive practice across the Girls’ Day School Trust. Working at Trust-wide level, this role has a significant opportunity to influence organisational culture, leadership practice and systems, ensuring our values are lived and felt across our schools and Trust Office.
What you’ll be doing
Reporting to the Deputy Director of People & Culture, you will lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of the GDST’s EDI strategy, ensuring it is meaningfully embedded across organisational culture, policies, people processes and ways of working.
You will act as a trusted subject-matter expert and adviser to colleagues, senior leaders and governors across the Trust, providing strategic guidance and professional challenge on complex and sensitive EDI-related matters. The role works closely with People & Culture and Innovation & Learning colleagues and provides strategic oversight to the Trust Consultant Teacher (EDI), ensuring strong alignment between organisational EDI priorities and curriculum-focused activity.
What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role
- Strong specialist knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion legislation, good practice and emerging issues
- Experience of designing and delivering EDI development sessions and facilitating staff forums to support an inclusive workplace
- Proven experience of leading or partnering on EDI strategy and initiatives within a complex organisation
- Credibility and confidence in advising and influencing senior leaders
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive issues with integrity
- Experience of using data and insight to inform decision-making and action planning
Who we are
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 23 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.
The organisation’s values serve as guiding principles:
- We put girls first
- We think and act fearlessly
- We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
- We are a family of schools
- We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff
As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
Why join us
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.
Our commitment
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.