Senior Network Partner, CDEI Team

Bank of England; Leeds; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Leeds is seeking a Senior Network Partner to oversee Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives. The role involves managing stakeholder relationships, developing strategies to enhance inclusion, and leading employee networks. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of DEI issues, excellent communication skills, and experience in large organisations. Salary range is £62,480 – £70,000 based on skills and experience.

Benefits

Non-contributory pension

26 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of DEI and intersectionality issues, credibility with senior management.
• Experience leading Network/Resource group programmes in large organisations.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Embed outcomes of the Network Review; align with the Bank's Inclusion strategy.
• Set up and run the Inclusion Advisory Council; manage stakeholders.
• Work with Senior DEI partners to respond to external DEI initiatives.

Skills

Understanding of DEI and intersectionality issues

Excellent communication skills

Experience facilitating cross-group collaboration

Job description

About this role

The Senior Network Partner sits within the Culture, Diversity Equity & Inclusion (CDEI) team within the People Directorate. The CDEI team is responsible for:

• Being the DEI centre of excellence for the Bank, providing expertise from a diversity and inclusion perspective on a wide range of issues
• Overseeing the delivery and implementation of the Bank's Inclusion Strategy and associated action plan
• Producing Executive Director scorecards and action plans to support the Bank in being an inclusive organisation and progress towards gender and ethnicity targets
• Leading the engagement with the Bank's Employee Networks to promote a coordinated approach that supports a sense of belonging among staff

Within the team, there are three Senior DEI Partners (Scale E roles) who lead the first three responsibilities and the Senior Network Partner (Scale E) leads the fourth, with support from the Scale F Network Partner. The team also includes a Scale F DEI Partner and a Scale G DEI Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivery of Network Review: Embed outcomes of the Network Review, working with Network co‑chairs, PLT and sponsors to align with the Bank's Inclusion strategy. Seek opportunities to create allyships across Networks to identify synergies and increase efficiencies.
• Inclusion Advisory Council (IAC): Set up and run the IAC, establish priorities, manage stakeholders at all levels and agree actions to enable collective decision‑making and knowledge sharing.
• Strategic Delivery: Work alongside Senior DEI partners to shape and define the organisational response to external DEI events and initiatives, engage proactively with Network co‑chairs and PLT members, prepare briefings for senior staff as needed.
• Trusted Advisor: Own and support more complex Networks; act as spokesperson and critical friend, especially during societal or organisational crises, ensuring timely, proportionate and representative responses.
• Line Management: Manage the Scale F Network Partner, supporting professional development, quality assurance, delivery of outputs and addressing underperformance.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee allocation and monitoring of Network budgets, co‑chair recruitment, succession planning, prioritisation and alignment on agreed goals; work with Data Insights team on data requests, considering privacy issues.

Role Requirements

Minimum Criteria

• Strong understanding of DEI and intersectionality issues, ability to speak credibly on DEI at senior management level; working knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 across the employee life cycle.
• Experience leading Network/Resource group programmes or comparable employee engagement structures in large, complex organisations, with good understanding of intersectional issues.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop effective working relationships across the organisation.
• Experience facilitating cross‑group collaboration and resolving tensions or competing priorities.

Essential Criteria

• Experience leading Network/Resource group programmes or comparable employee engagement structures in large, complex organisations.
• Ability to grasp evolving DEI‑related issues and quickly cover any knowledge gaps to meet the Bank's expectations of a DEI expert.
• Understanding of the Bank's position on DEI matters and how it relates to internal and external positions.
• Ability to work autonomously and influence without direct management.
• Independence of mind and ability to challenge existing culture and ways of working.
• Demonstrable experience managing senior stakeholder relationships and influencing organisational strategy.
• Proven ability to manage governance and budgets with discipline and transparency.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in crisis response or communications within an inclusion or reputational risk context.
• Background in HR, change management or organisational development.

Number of direct reports: 1

Our Approach to Inclusion

The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe that a workforce reflective of society strengthens our ability to maintain monetary and financial stability. We work hard to build an inclusive culture that supports people from all backgrounds and communities to perform at their best. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We support flexible working and enable adjustments for candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Salary and Benefits Information

Salary: £62,480 – £70,000 (based on skills and experience). We encourage flexible, part‑time and job‑share arrangements; part‑time salary and benefits will be pro‑rated.

• Non‑contributory, career average pension giving a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of annual salary for each year worked (option to adjust accrual rates).
• Discretionary performance award based on current award pool.
• 8% benefits allowance, option to take as salary or purchase flexible benefits.
• 26 days annual leave, option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits.
• Private medical insurance and income protection.

National Security Vetting Process

Employment is subject to National Security Vetting clearance (typically 6‑12 weeks post‑offer) and additional Bank security checks per policy. Further information will be provided to the successful applicant. The Bank’s Privacy Notice outlines how personal data is processed for vetting.

Employment

Full‑time

Application Process

Important: Please ensure you complete the ‘work history’ section and answer ALL application questions fully. All applications are anonymised; missing mandatory questions will result in the application not being considered.

This role closes on 12th Dec.

To apply online, complete your work history and answer all application questions in detail.