Head of EDIS

British Science Association

Hours
35 hours per week

About the Organisation

British Science Association (BSA) is a UK-based organization dedicated to promoting science, engaging the public, and encouraging inclusivity in scientific fields. Established in 1831, the BSA has a rich history of fostering curiosity and understanding of science among diverse audiences. Its mission is to transform the way people connect with and view science, making it more accessible and part of everyday culture.

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.

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 to 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 the Head of Fundraising and Membership to grow the EDIS membership and to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of EDIS

In addition, the post-holder will be expected to:

• Support colleagues across the organisation, especially at busy times, and in specific areas of expertise​
• Other duties as reasonably required by your line manager.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential​ Criteria:

• Extensive experience in developing and delivering EDI strategies 
• Experience in leading a significant project, programme or discrete area, setting strategy, and influencing stakeholders towards its aims and objectives 
• Excellent line management skills, including leading high-performing teams and dealing with all aspects of people management     
• Excellent communication skills, including extensive experience in representing an organisation externally and engaging with senior stakeholders 
• Experience in managing budgets effectively, including planning & controlling spend.     
• Experience of briefing, commissioning and managing suppliers (such as consultants, etc.)     
• Excellent project and time management skills; ability to juggle multiple projects and remain clear and calm-headed under pressure 
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomacy skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a range of different settings (including presentations to internal and external stakeholders, including funders)
• A commitment to the British Science Association and to EDIS’ vision and mission.

Desirable​ Criteria:

• Experience of working for a membership organisation and/or coalition     
• Experience of working in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) sector and in research​  ​ 

Compensation & Benefits

• 27 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Up to two days paid leave per year for significant voluntary commitments in support of professional and personal development
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme after 3 months (4% paid by the employer).
• Up to five days’ unpaid leave per year
• Life assurance for death in service benefit from your first day (subject to scheme rules). Complementary access to a 24/7 online GP service.
• Occupational sick pay: up to six weeks’ full pay per year (pro-rata for part-time employees).
• Confidential telephone counselling service, offered by our legal insurance.
• Interest-free loan for season ticket, bike to work, and assisted study;
• Discounts may be offered on Science Museum tickets and in the shop.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Applications should be made via this link.
• Please send a CV and covering letter (each of no more than two A4 pages) that summarises your interest in the role and details your ability to match the criteria.​
• If you have further questions or would like this information in a different format, please contact: [email protected]

Interviews

• First round interviews are due to take place in the week commencing Monday 20th April 2026, with second round interviews taking place on Tuesday 5th May and Wednesday 6th May 2026.​
• You will be informed as soon as possible after the application deadline whether you have been selected for an interview.

Policies

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. If you wish to apply under the guaranteed interview scheme, you will be asked to indicate this when you submit your application by selecting ‘yes’ in the relevant box when asked during the application process. Applicants do not need to state any further information or declare their disability at the application stage.​

Whether you are applying under the scheme or not, if you are successful in being shortlisted, we will ask candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions to let us know if they need any adjustments during the recruitment process. The Disability Confident scheme’s definition of disability is in line with the Equality Act 2010: “a physical or mental condition which has a long-term and substantial effect on your daily life. Further information about our Disability Confident commitments can be found on the Disability Confident

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