Community Cohesion and Anti-Racism Lead

Internal Only.

This vacancy is only open to North Somerset Council employees and agency workers contracted to North Somerset Council.

About Us.

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Community Cohesion and Anti-Racism Lead to join our Engagement and Partnerships Team.

The Community Cohesion and Anti‑Racism Lead will coordinate North Somerset Council’s strategic and operational work on community cohesion and anti‑racism. The role delivers key actions from the Council’s Anti‑Racist Action Plan and provides visible leadership on equality and inclusion. It strengthens the Council’s capacity to manage complex, cross‑cutting issues such as community tensions, racism and misinformation, while helping to build trust with communities and partners. The post ensures the Council responds proactively, consistently and in line with its values, especially during sensitive or emerging issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• The role provides strategic leadership on community cohesion and anti‑racism by advising senior leaders and coordinating a consistent, whole‑council response to emerging issues.
• It leads the delivery of the Anti‑Racist Action Plan, embedding anti‑racist principles across policies, services and operations, and monitoring progress for senior leadership.
• The post works closely with statutory partners, community organisations and stakeholders to deliver shared priorities, influence system‑wide change, and develop tools such as a Race Equality System Map.
• A key function is strengthening engagement with racially minoritised communities, including establishing a Lived Experience Advisory Board and ensuring engagement activities lead to real, measurable outcomes.
• The role also supports communications and prevention work by promoting inclusive narratives, countering misinformation, improving transparency and working with schools and colleges on education and cohesion initiatives.
• Finally, the post monitors community tensions through social listening and horizon scanning, coordinating early responses with internal and external partners (including regional and national) to mitigate risks.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style.

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office.
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Community Cohesion and Anti‑Racism Lead to help drive fairer outcomes and strengthen inclusion across our communities.

• In this role, you’ll lead complex, cross‑cutting work that brings teams, partners and communities together to tackle inequality and build trust.
• You’ll be a credible adviser on equality, diversity and inclusion, confident analysing sensitive issues, influencing senior leaders, and shaping strategic action.
• You’ll have an understanding and experience of Asset Based Community development approaches.
• You’ll bring strong experience of working collaboratively across organisations, delivering action plans, and engaging meaningfully with communities, particularly those with lived experience of discrimination or inequality.
• You’ll be skilled at navigating sensitive situations, responding to community tensions, and supporting groups such as advisory boards or lived‑experience forums.
• We’re looking for someone with in‑depth knowledge and lived experience of anti‑racism, community cohesion and equality issues, alongside excellent communication, analytical and project management skills.
• You’ll be solutions focused, resilient under pressure, and able to build trusted relationships across diverse audiences.
• Ideally, you’ll also have experience in the public sector and a background in developing anti‑racist or equality strategies, as is familiarity with partnership approaches, social listening or horizon scanning.

If you’re committed to fairness, confident working in complex environments, and motivated to make a real difference for communities, we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer.

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply.

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information.

For further information about the role, please contact Louise Roberts, Inclusion and Corporate Development Manager at louise.roberts@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 634832.

Important Information.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: 14 May 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities.

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.