Social Mobility & Inclusion Lead

To play a purpose-driven leadership role in shaping and delivering Co-op’s Social Mobility, Inclusion and Belonging strategy, acting as a trusted deputy to the Head of SMIB and an expert enabler across the organisation. 

The role will use deep subject matter expertise, evidence and insight, and strong stakeholder management to influence leaders, shape service delivery, remove systemic barriers and embed inclusive practices that improve organisational performance, colleague outcomes and social impact.

• Support the Head of SMIB in shaping, delivering and embedding key arms of the Co-op’s Social Mobility, Inclusion and Belonging strategy, translating strategic priorities into measurable plans, programmes and interventions.
• As an SME, identify risks, barriers and areas of disparity, developing clear mitigation plans and targeted actions that improve equitable outcomes and support organisational transformation goals.
• Act as a trusted deputy to the Head of Social Mobility, Inclusion and Belonging, providing leadership support, expert advice and continuity across key strategic priorities as directed.
• Lead priority programmes and initiatives as directed by the Head of SMIB, using sound judgement, initiative and evidence-led decision making to drive progress, overcome challenges and deliver results.
• Provide expert advice, guidance and constructive challenge to leaders and People teams on social mobility, inclusion, belonging and equity matters.
• Use workforce data, colleague insight, research and external benchmarking to identify disparities, trends and opportunities for intervention, translating findings into focused action plans.
• Effectively communicate priorities, enthuse and activate stakeholder commitment and influence senior leaders and stakeholders to embed inclusive practices within policies, processes, programmes and everyday decision-making.
• Partner with People, Culture, Community and business teams to ensure inclusion and social mobility principles are integrated into key business initiatives and colleague experiences.
• Develop and deliver capability-building, education and awareness initiatives that increase understanding of inclusive practices and strengthen leadership accountability.
• Coach and facilitate leadership teams to build inclusive leadership capability, psychological safety and ownership of diversity outcomes.
• Build effective partnerships with colleague networks, champions and community groups to maximise engagement, collaboration and impact.
• Develop governance, success measures and reporting frameworks to track progress, evaluate impact and inform future priorities.
• Monitor external trends, legislation and best practice to ensure Co-op’s approach remains relevant, effective and forward-looking.
• Commission and manage external suppliers, partners and specialist providers to deliver agreed outcomes and value for money.
• Represent Co-op externally through partnerships, industry forums and thought leadership activities that enhance Co-op’s reputation and influence.

• Experience of developing and delivering inclusion, diversity, belonging and/or social mobility strategies, using data, insight and stakeholder engagement to drive measurable organisational change and improve colleague outcomes. 

• Experience influencing and partnering with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to embed inclusive practices, shape decision-making and deliver sustainable culture change across a large or complex organisation.