EDI Consultant for BIGSPD

Title: EDI Consultant for BIGSPD

Reporting to: BIGSPD Co-presidents

Employer: BIGSPD

Rate: 5k

Term of contract: Freelance consultant

Context

The British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder was formed in 1999 to provide a forum for networking in the field of ‘personality disorder’. The group organises one main conference event each year with relevant keynote talks from a variety of fields. The conference foregrounds presentations of new research, service development, policy initiatives and examples of innovative practice. Additionally, BIGSPD holds Community of Practice events which are aimed at supporting and connecting people working in the field.

BIGSPD prides itself on its promotion of coproduction, which embraces the involvement of people with lived experience (including friends and family), multidisciplinary practitioners, academics, clinicians and researchers. BIGSPD does this in order to:

influence the commissioning of better services that use evidence-based practice;
address the treatment ‘postcode lottery’ that can exist within service access and provision;
reduce health inequalities;
support research that enhances practice and improves the experience of those accessing services;
raise awareness and improve knowledge around ‘personality disorder’ and related difficulties.

To find out more about BIGSPD’s values, click here.

Consultancy

BIGSPD brings together a wide range of partners who shape the agenda and debate in this field of practice and is committed to reducing stigma and prejudice and to enhancing the diversity within the organisation. However, delegate feedback from previous conferences has signalled the need for BIGSPD to have its own EDI strategy which it will operationalise for future conferences.

The role of the EDI consultant will, therefore, be:

Through review of previous conference feedback, consultation with BIGSPD Membership and BIGSPD Exec and observations at BIGSPD 2024 conference to:

develop an EDI strategy for BIGSPD that encompasses not only the presentations at conference, but also greater diversity, equality and inclusion amongst speakers and conference delegates.
Where there is a shortfall in any of these areas, to advise on a robust ‘out-reach’ strategy
Advise on how the EDI strategy can be operationalised for future BIGSPD conferences.

The BIGSPD Executive envisages that this will be the first in a series of EDI initiatives that will provide a map for ongoing EDI work in the organisation.

Timeline of Project

Project to begin February 2024 and to include:

Review of data
Consultations with stakeholders
Observation of BIGSPD 2024 conference
Formulation of initial plan and consultation with BIGSPD Exec
Write-up and feedback

Final report deadline: 2^nd September 2024

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Relevant experience of providing EDI support to organisations.

Desirable

Knowledge of EDI and intersectionality and its relationship to mental health.
Understanding of ‘personality disorder’ (complex emotional and relational needs).
Experience of coproduction.

Application Process

Please submit an Expression of Interest (500 words max) outlining your reasons for applying and how you meet the criteria set out above.

Expressions of Interest should be sent to: bigspd@northernnetworking.co.uk