Policy Officer

• Policy_Officer_2025

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

We have an excellent opportunity available for an experienced Policy Officer – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to join our Insight, Strategy & Inclusion Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.

As the Policy Officer - EDI, you will have the opportunity to embed the Council’s Equality policy and objectives to ensure we are meeting the needs of our customers (our residents), giving everyone the opportunity to thrive.

You will ensure that the Council leadership and Executive can make informed and timely decisions to enhance or change its strategic direction as the needs of our environment or our customers change and evolve. This will include building effective professional relationships with key stakeholders, external partners and staff equality networks.

You will ensure there are appropriate strategies, action plans and processes in place to deliver on equalities priorities across the council and provide a policy resource to support other key projects required by the Chief Executive and Corporate Leadership Team.

There will also be opportunities to undertake projects with a broader remit to support the council's priorities.

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave entitlement of 30 days (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme (actual contribution details to follow)

⭐GP Helpline available 24/7

⭐Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 Your Care confidential helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym (located at Shute End, Wokingham)

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Car, Cycle to Work, and Home & Tech

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts – savings on shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – running, football, cricket, and more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the council on equality practices and legislation to ensure the organisation, colleagues, stakeholders and partners fulfil statutory obligations and service provision consistent with the Councils strategic vision and objectives.
• Support the effective implementation and delivery of the approved Equality Policy, challenging existing practices, developing innovative solutions and influencing change to enable the organisation to achieve its ambitions.
• Collaborate with colleagues, providing advice and support to promote, develop and embed equality, diversity and inclusion considerations into projects, strategy, policy and decision making.
• Deliver specific projects and groups ensuring that work is managed and delivered to agreed timescales and budget.
• Support the Wokingham Voice of Inclusion and Equality partnership, developing the group’s membership and enabling them to create real impact in the community.
• Lead horizon scanning and policy advice across the areas of expertise, responding to changes within the Borough and the wider political environment, recommending plans or strategies to support senior leadership and members to respond to opportunities and challenges.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience of working in a large, complex, organisation, preferably in a local authority
• Experience of advising an organisation on equality and inclusion issues
• Knowledge of equality legislation and frameworks relevant to local government
• High quality written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to develop, manage and deliver effective projects

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Alternatively, for an informal chat about the role please contact Emily Higson (Head of Insight, Strategy & Inclusion) onemily.higson@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 30th November 2025, 11pm

Interview date: W/C 15th December 2025

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.