Vice-chair, Racial Diversity Campaign (Volunteer)

Job title: Vice-chair, Racial Diversity Campaign (RDC).

Responsible to: The RDC chair and to the Federal Board.

Salary: N/A; this is a voluntary role.

Tenure: Until the next scheduled appointment for a three year term, due Q1 2026.

Location: this role may be conducted predominantly remotely. Some in-person meetings may be required, usually in Lib Dem HQ (1 Vincent Square, London), and attendance at in-person training events and similar may be required across the UK.

Time requirement: minimum 6 hours a month, with meetings usually outside normal working hours.

Closing date: 5.00pm, Thursday 19th December 2024.

Introduction

There are two casual vacancies to be filled by the Federal Board by election.

This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Party’s work on diversity in a volunteer position. You will play an important role in ensuring the Party is an effective, supporting and inclusive organisation. 

The Racial Diversity Campaign (RDC) is the vehicle within the party which finds, trains and supports ethnic minority candidates through to their selection and beyond to successful election. It has a chair and two vice-chairs. 

The RDC’s principal aims are to increase the number of Liberal Democrats from ethnic minority backgrounds elected as MPs, members of the Scottish Parliament, members of the Welsh Senedd, members of the London Assembly, directly elected Mayors, elected Police and Crime Commissioners. It also works alongside the Liberal Democrat local government community to increase the number of ethnic minority Councillors and Council Leaders.

You will also have an important role in helping to deliver the party’s overall strategy set by party conference. It includes five organisational priorities: developing a compelling liberal narrative, promoting campaigning excellence, improving our record on diversity and equality, enhancing the membership experience and working together as one party. 

The Vice-Chair will work closely with the Chair to provide leadership and support for the Liberal Democrats Racial Diversity Campaign, with a focus on operational management and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chair in developing and implementing the campaign's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the overall goals and objectives.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the RDC, including coordinating meetings, overseeing volunteer activities, and liaising with external partners.
• Act as a spokesperson for the campaign, representing its interests in meetings, events, and media appearances as necessary.
• Support the recruitment and training of volunteers, providing guidance and resources to enhance their effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the Chair and other team members to evaluate the campaign's progress and identify areas for improvement.

Behaviours and Attributes

• Demonstrates strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration and building positive relationships with team members and stakeholders.
• Shows initiative and resourcefulness, able to identify opportunities for improvement and implement innovative solutions.
• Displays adaptability and flexibility, comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Possesses a passion for diversity and inclusion, with a commitment to advancing these values within the political sphere.

You must be a member of the Liberal Democrats and able to demonstrate your affinity with the values of the party as well as of the role of audit and scrutiny in either the party or similar other organisations. 

A commitment to the Liberal Democrats is required but evidence of substantial prior involvement is not as induction and training will be available. The Party is keen to encourage new talent. 

Experience in training and mentoring people from under-represented groups and of fundraising will be particularly desirable.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications from candidates from all walks of life. 

Our policy on parental, adoption and dependant leave can be found here. 

How to apply

You are very welcome to get in touch before making an application if you wish to understand more about the role. We can put you in touch with someone with experience of the role to discuss your potential application if you would like. 

For questions and to submit an application, please contact: companysecretary@libdems.org.uk

Please apply by email, including:

• A 200 word manifesto in support of your application.
• A completed due diligence form.
• A completed diversity monitoring form.

Please be aware that due to the closing date falling near the Christmas and New Year holiday period, the Federal Board will not be able to review and vote on applications until after the 7th January2025.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

If you are employed by the Liberal Democrats in any form, you should consult with your employer about potential conflicts of interest before applying for this role.