Race Equity Taskforce Member
Make a real impact. Champion race equity across the West Midlands.
The Race Equity Taskforce (RET) is a strategic partnership launched by the WMCA Board to tackle racial disparities and improve opportunities for all communities. Led by Independent Chair Pat Carvalho, the RET brings together experienced leaders to embed race equity into regional strategy, influence policy, amplify community voices, and hold WMCA and its partners accountable.
We are seeking experienced leaders with a proven track record of advocating for communities and influencing strategic decisions.
Key Responsibilities
As a member of the Race Equity Taskforce, you will:
Shape and challenge WMCA policies to embed race equity.
Build trusted relationships with communities and represent their perspectives.
Promote the use of equity data and support Health and Equity Impact Assessments.
Champion community-led approaches and help scale effective practice.
Monitor progress and contribute to public reporting on outcomes.
Advocate for inclusion, anti-racism, and intersectional leadership.
Participate in WMCA activity and Mayoral Taskforces.
Who We Are Looking For
Essential
You will demonstrate:
A strong connection to communities across the West Midlands.
Deep knowledge of, and sustained commitment to, race equity and inclusion.
Experience influencing policy, systems, or strategic decision-making.
The ability to represent diverse communities beyond your own personal background.
Skill in using data and insight to inform advice, alongside active listening and constructive challenge.
A collaborative, solutions-focused, and strengths-based approach.
The ability to commit approximately 5 hours per month.
High standards of independence, integrity, and professional conduct.
Desirable
Experience influencing Government or national policy.
Expertise in regional policy areas such as jobs and skills, housing, transport, economic growth, or the environment.
Leadership experience within the Voluntary, Community, Faith, or Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sectors.
Experience in philanthropy, investment, or funding decision-making.
Role Details
- Two-year term, reviewed annually
- Unpaid role; reasonable expenses reimbursed
- Appointments will be made on merit, while also taking account of the need for the Taskforce to reflect the diversity of the West Midlands’ places and communities
Application Process
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
Outline your career history (this may include voluntary, community, or non-traditional roles)
Complete a diversity monitoring questionnaire to help ensure the Taskforce reflects the communities it serves
Submit a personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining:
Your motivation for joining the Race Equity Taskforce
The skills and experience you would bring to the role
How you would add value to the Taskforce’s work
Your responses should demonstrate strategic insight and the ability to advocate beyond your immediate community or professional background.
Scenario Questions
Strategic advice:
Give an example of when you influenced a policy, system, or decision to improve outcomes. What was your approach, what impact did it have, and how did you resolve conflict or build partnerships to achieve change?
Community voice:
The Taskforce must amplify the voices of many. Give a specific example of how race inequalities affect a community. How would you help WMCA understand people’s experiences and find ways to address the issue?
Questions or Adjustments
For any questions or if you would like to discuss reasonable adjustments, please email careers@wmca.org.uk. You can also get in touch with Racial Equalities Taskforce Programme Manager Lucy Gosling lucy.gosling@wmca.org.uk
We welcome requests for adjustments and are committed to making this process as accessible and inclusive as possible.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Leaders of Voluntary, Community, Faith, or Social Enterprise organisations can also contribute through our Community Voices Network.
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