As a valued employee of the British Council, you already help us deliver our mission to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For over 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.
You are part of our organisation in over 200 countries and territories and where we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.
We connect. We inspire.
The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+.
In December the UK and EU reached a political agreement for the UK to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014–2020, where Erasmus+ funded over 8,000 projects, engaged more than 580,000 UK participants, and awarded approximately €1.1 billion to UK organisations.
Job Title
E+ Senior Social Value and Inclusion Manager
Pay Band
8 / E
Contract
2-Year Fixed-Term Contract (with the possibility of extension)
Location
London, Cardiff, Belfast or Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Working Pattern
Hybrid working arrangement.
Candidates based within reasonable commuting distance of one of the above office locations will be expected to work under the British Council's hybrid working model. Candidates based elsewhere in the UK may be considered for remote working, subject to business requirements and hiring manager approval
Right to Work
Applicants must have the current right to live and work in the UK. The British Council is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Role Purpose
As the Senior Social Value and Inclusion Manager, you will lead the planning, development and delivery of the Erasmus+ Social Value Plan, ensuring meaningful social impact is embedded throughout the programme.
Working closely with the Head of Inclusion and key stakeholders across the British Council, Department for Education and delivery partners, you will design and implement initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity and social value through apprenticeships, work placements, volunteering opportunities and wider programme activities.
You will also provide expert advice to applicants, beneficiaries and internal teams on Inclusion and Diversity priorities, ensuring Erasmus+ remains accessible to individuals and organisations from all backgrounds, particularly those with fewer opportunities.
Main Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
- Lead the development and ongoing delivery of the Erasmus+ Social Value Framework and implementation plan.
- Support the development and delivery of the Erasmus+ Inclusion and Diversity Strategy.
- Drive continuous improvement through annual reviews and action planning.
- Develop strategic approaches that maximise social value outcomes across the programme.
Programme Delivery
- Lead initiatives including apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering programmes.
- Support applicants and beneficiaries in embedding Inclusion and Diversity into Erasmus+ funded projects.
- Develop practical guidance, tools and resources that promote inclusive programme delivery.
- Ensure inclusion is embedded across digital and face-to-face programme activities.
Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with the Department for Education and key delivery partners.
- Represent the British Council and Erasmus+ at internal and external stakeholder events.
- Work collaboratively with education providers, sector bodies and government partners to maximise programme impact.
- Promote the British Council's commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Value.
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Monitor performance against Social Value and Inclusion KPIs.
- Produce reports and recommendations to drive continuous improvement.
- Capture learning and good practice to inform future funding rounds and programme development.
Essential Skills & Experience
We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
- Experience developing and delivering Social Value strategies or frameworks.
- Strong understanding of UK Social Value policy and frameworks.
- Excellent knowledge of Inclusion and Diversity policy and practice.
- Experience embedding Inclusion and Diversity into programme or project delivery.
- Experience working with multiple stakeholders across public, education or third-sector organisations.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify improvement opportunities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience producing guidance, reports and strategic recommendations.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build collaborative partnerships.
- Experience supporting delivery partners to implement inclusive practices.
Desirable Experience
It would be advantageous if you have experience in:
- Education and training.
- Erasmus+ or international mobility programmes.
- Grant-funded or public sector programmes.
- Safeguarding within education or youth settings.
- Supporting organisations working with underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.
- Developing sector guidance and sharing best practice.
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or equivalent professional experience.
Desirable
Relevant experience in social value, inclusion, diversity, education, public policy or programme management would be advantageous.
Background Checks
Initial and continuing employment with the British Council is subject to the appropriate background checks relevant to the role.
Hybrid Working
The British Council supports hybrid working arrangements where operationally appropriate. Specific working arrangements will be discussed during the recruitment process.
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement
The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org
