Access and Equality Manager

Role description:
The Natural History Museum is transforming. Its new strategy is focussed on challenging the way people think about the natural world - its past, present and future. We aim to stimulate public debate about humanity’s future and equip our audiences with an understanding of science. Accessibility and inclusivity is at the heart of this vision. With its vast collection and pioneering research programme, the Museum is powerfully placed to engage a wide range of audiences with science and the natural world.

The Access and Equality Manager will play an important role in ensuring that the Museum’s new Masterplan to transform its permanent spaces addresses the needs of diverse audiences, embedding an inclusive approach. They will lead on enhancing access and equality across the public offer, collaborating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders at both the South Kensington and Tring sites.

The post holder will identify and provide creative solutions to overcome barriers to engagement for a broad range of audiences and activity through both targeted and inclusive provision, guided by the Equality Act. They will provide expert advice on best practice in the development and delivery of accessible public programming, including temporary and permanent exhibitions, events and activities, and service/facility provision. They will support the development of public offer funding bids, working with and reporting to senior management at the Museum. This role will also identify access and equality training needs and lead on the development of appropriate training.

Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.

If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competences in the ‘other information’ section of your online application:

1. Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification and/or proven relevant experience.
2. Significant experience and working knowledge of access, diversity and equality legislation and implementing good practice preferably in a Museum or visitor attraction environment.
3. An excellent understanding of how access and equality issues and requirements are applied to the provision of exhibitions, learning activities and digital applications.
4. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work with and influence multiple and varied stakeholders, both internal and external.
5. Demonstrable experience of working with a range of audiences and programmes, particularly people with specific access needs, with a creative, solutions focussed approach
6. Excellent understanding of customer service and proven first-hand experience in this area
7. Highly experienced negotiator, with excellent influencing skills and the ability to set priorities and establish solutions over different timescales (short, medium and long term).
8. Experienced in developing and delivering professional development training for colleagues
9. Successful in actively seeking and obtaining external funding to support strategic objectives
10. Experienced in robust financial planning and budget management

Online application process:
You are required to provide a response to ALL of the role competences listed above within the ‘Other Information’ section of the online application form (up to 140 words per competence). In order to demonstrate how you meet each competence fully, please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills and/or experience.