Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Job Description

Playful Productions is committed to bringing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion into the centre of our company and to building more equitable, inclusive and diverse work cultures across the productions we produce and general manage. We are looking for an exceptional manager to help us shape and develop Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies and best practice across our work in order to bring about fundamental change.We value and recognise how essential it is for our staff, partners and collaborators to feel welcome and to feel a sense of belonging when they work with us. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager is a newly created position, and its main focus is to deliver the companys mission to promote more equitable and inclusive work environments, and to help guide us on the journey we have started.Our Directors are represented on the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre Inclusion and Anti-Racism Working Group and the Theatre Industry Wellbeing Committee, and Playful was one of the first commercial theatre companies to sign up to the Old Vics Guardians Scheme. We recognise the importance of having diversity of thought and lived experience at the table in order to produce innovative and meaningful new work. We want to lead by example in implementing new inclusive processes to ensure everyone can access the commercial theatre sector. About Playful ProductionsFormed in 2010 by Company Directors Matthew Byam Shaw, Nia Janis and Nick Salmon, Playful Productions is one of the largest independent theatre production companies in the West End currently managing world-renowned shows such as Wicked and Come From Away. We are one of the West Ends biggest employers and we lead the commercial sector in excellence, innovation and ambition. We work at scale and are committed to presenting high-quality shows to audiences across the UK and beyond.Overview With support from the Directors and the Senior Management Team, look to increase awareness, engagement and understanding of EDI internally Act as an internal expert, key influencer and advocate on EDI considerations across all productions Devise, draft and deliver an EDI strategy and action plan for the company and across all productions Draft EDI Statements for the company and individual productions Monitor and report progress on EDI regularly to Producers, the Directors and General Managers Lead EDI consultations and/or roundtables with key stakeholders and staff Ensure EDI initiatives inform wider organisational practices and processes, and recommend actions Maintain a regular visible presence backstage at theatres and be an easily accessible point of contact for staff at all levels for advice and support Identify external trends and recognise best practice to increase EDI amongst the workforceTraining Devise and put in place a comprehensive training plan to deliver to the Producers, the Directors, General Managers, Company Managers, technical staff and performers to promote the value of EDI Embed effective inclusion practices into every phase of the life of a production Support the development of diverse talentPersonnel and HR Provide guidance to Playful and show production staff on recruitment processes in order to address bias, promote transparency and ensure equal opportunity Support the writing of job descriptions and adverts that appeal to groups that are currently underrepresented in the arts and address any unconscious bias Work with Producers and General Managers to develop an EDI induction process for all new employees Build relationships with production staff across shows and create networks to ensure all groups have a voice across productions Engage as required with disciplinary and grievance procedures Support the Guardians ProgrammePolicies and Procedures Work with the Senior Management Team to review organisational policies and procedures In consultation with the companys lawyers and the Head of Finance and Administration, review and update the Equal Opportunities Policy and draft the Equal Opportunities Action Plan Develop relationships with other key delivery partners on EDI considerations in the cultural fieldAudiences Liaise with Press and Marketing agencies working across the productions and inform and contribute to campaigns in order to ensure an authentic commitment to the diversification of audiences Set targets as and when appropriate and signpost strategic partnerships and collaborators in order to increase awareness and build new underrepresented audiences Attend Press & Marketing meetings as and when requiredMonitoring and Evaluation Create analytics to monitor, understand and track performance and to comply with any legislative requirements Monitor and evaluate progress on EDI against agreed strategic objectives and manage related data to inform work and measure impactWorking HoursDuring the current period working from home will be necessary (although we intend to be able to return to office working once it is viable). Office hours are 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch, however, flexibility may be required to allow for time spent backstage in the early evening prior to curtain-up when the majority of the cast and technical staff are available. We anticipate that hours will be worked over five full days, but we are open to other possible schedules. We are also open to part-time and full-time applicants.The post-holder will be required to adhere to Playfuls and third-party Producers covid-19 protocols. These may include mandatory covid testing and will incorporate the local covid protocols of the rehearsal room, theatre and any other premises in which the Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Manager is required to work.If you are interested in the role please visit recruitment to view full details and the job description. Please send your CV with a covering letter to no later than 10am on Tuesday 1st June 2021. Interviews will take place on the 8th and 10th June 2021.