E+ Head of Inclusion

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+. In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations. Job Title: Erasmus+ Head of Inclusion Pay Band: SMP Salary: £55,699 gross per annum plus £3,300 per annum London Market Allowance for those in the London area only. Contract Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract with possibility of extension Location: Any Location within the UK Right to Work Requirements: Current right to work in the UK. The British Council is not able to support or sponsor work visa applications. Closing Date: Applications will close on 3 July at 22:59 UK Time We are operating on the basis that any offer is made pending client confirmation of funds. Role Purpose: The Head of Inclusion will be responsible for setting inclusion strategy, governance, and safeguarding frameworks; monitoring risk and compliance; and driving continuous improvement through data, insight, and assurance. You will provide expert guidance, training, and support to staff and grant holders, manage incident response and risk escalation, and build effective relationships with key stakeholders, including the Department for Education, the European Commission, and partner organisations, to ensure transparent and responsible programme delivery. Main Responsibilities: * Leading the development and delivery of the Erasmus+ UK Inclusion and Diversity Strategy. * Managing and developing a team of inclusion, social value, and safeguarding advisers, fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture. * Embedding equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding across all programme activities, strategies, and communications. * Providing expert guidance, training, and support to staff, applicants, and grant holders to ensure inclusive programme delivery. * Building sector expertise and promoting best practice in inclusion across the education, training, youth, and sport sectors. * Driving outreach and engagement initiatives to widen participation for underrepresented groups and those with fewer opportunities. * Developing resources, case studies, and training to strengthen inclusion awareness and capability across the programme. * Building and managing strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including the Department for Education, the European Commission, and partner organisations. * Representing the British Council / National Agency at internal and external forums on inclusion and diversity. Role Specific Knowledge & Experience: Essential * Experience of applying inclusion, diversity, and safeguarding policies in UK and international regulatory settings. * Experience of embedding inclusion across the full programme lifecycle with measurable impact. * Experience of using data and analytics for proactive risk management and decision-making. * Experience of leading geographically dispersed, multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex programmes. * Experience of developing monitoring and assurance frameworks for inclusion, safeguarding, and social value. Desirable * Knowledge of Erasmus+ inclusion and diversity priorities, policies, and delivery approaches. * Knowledge of safeguarding best practice in education, youth, or international programmes. * Experience of supporting partners to embed inclusive practice through guidance and training. * Awareness of risks affecting equitable access, participant safety, and inclusion funding. * Experience of working in international or multi-stakeholder programme environments. Specific Requirements * Degree or equivalent work experience. British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview. #LI-Hybrid A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org