Head of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Permanent | Full time | Hybrid (3 days on site)

Interview Date: Wednesday 28 January 2026

The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading university for art and design and home to a diverse, global creative community. As we move towards our bicentenary in 2037, we are strengthening our commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging across all aspects of College life.

We are now seeking a Head of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion to provide academic and strategic leadership that supports an inclusive, respectful and intellectually open community. This role is central to delivering our EDI Strategy, Race Equality Charter commitments and our values: Integrity, Inclusion, Curiosity and Collaboration.

About the Role

The Head of EDI will lead institution-wide work to embed inclusive practice across teaching, research and operations.

You will:

• Shape and deliver the EDI Strategy and oversee the Race Equality Charter action plan.
• Support inclusive and equitable approaches to learning, teaching and assessment.
• Champion intersectional thinking and remove systemic barriers to belonging.
• Influence senior decision-making across governance bodies.
• Lead and mentor the EDI Officers and RCA BLK, and act as senior sponsor for staff and student networks.
• Support policy development on equality, freedom of speech and academic freedom.
• Maintain a 20% research profile in EDI, belonging or related fields.

You will work closely with colleagues across the College, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education & Student Success), Director of People & Culture, Associate Deans, Heads of Programme and the Students’ Union.

About You

We welcome applications from candidates who can bring a mix of academic leadership, strategic insight and lived experience.

You will have:

• A strong track record in teaching, research and/or academic leadership in higher education.
• Experience leading EDI or equality initiatives with measurable cultural impact.
• In-depth understanding of intersectional equality, inclusive pedagogy, belonging and academic freedom.
• Experience engaging with senior governance bodies.
• Knowledge of equality frameworks such as REC, AdvanceHE and relevant legislation.
• Inclusive leadership skills and the ability to engage confidently across diverse communities.

Salary & Benefits

• Grade 10: £64,753–£72,255 including London Allowance
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays & College closure days
• SAUL pension scheme
• Season ticket loans, enhanced family-friendly policies, occupational health and 24/7 support services
• Hybrid working between Kensington and Battersea

Our Recruitment Process

We want applicants to feel informed and supported throughout:

• 7 January 2026: Applications close
• w/c 12 January: Shortlisting
• w/c 19 January: Optional candidate engagement/Q&A session
• 28 January 2026: Final panel interview

Shortlisted candidates will receive the interview format, panel members, questions and—if applicable—presentation topic in advance. We limit the panel to four colleagues to ensure the process feels welcoming and focused.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through our online system. We do not request CVs.
Instead, candidates will answer six questions linked to the essential criteria.

If you need the application in an alternative format (inc. audio or video), or would like support with the process, please email:
resourcing@rca.ac.uk

Further details: Information Pack  

RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

The Royal College of Art (RCA)  aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity & maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected. 

Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format.

In your message to resourcing@rca.ac.uk include:

• the web address (URL) of the content
• your email address & name

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