The Institute of Professional Editors Ltd (IPEd) seeks to convene a working party on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The working party will provide the Board and IPEd staff with greater insights into and awareness of relevant issues around DEI, including issues of disability and accessibility.
Working with the Board and the CEO, the working party will develop and deliver select strategies, programs and initiatives on behalf of IPEd, collaborating with other committees and working parties as appropriate to improve diversity and accessibility within the organisation and the services it provides its members.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of IPEd and, in turn, the profession of editing.
As a new working party, the initial task for the DEIWP will be to draft terms of reference to define the scope of its objectives and to identify priority tasks. WIth staff and Board support, it will then negotiate an appropriate timeline and budget to tackle these tasks.
Examples of activities the working party might undertake relate to previously identified organisational objectives such as:
- advise on development and promotion of diversity and inclusion-focused programs and events for IPEd members and the broader profession
- develop resources to support members on issues to do with DEI
- develop culturally safe and accessible protocols for IPEd events and activities (branches and IPEd-wide)
- develop and advise on appropriate communications
- promote and support professionals and members from diverse and historically marginalised backgrounds
- promote and support professionals and members with disabilities and facing other barriers to inclusion
- collect, assess and share industry data where appropriate
- identify current DEI-related initiatives and barriers across IPEd
- help IPEd provide effective advocacy and support to greater DEI within the editing profession.
A wider remit of the DEIWP could also focus on:
- identifying and engaging key communities where increased applications are desired
- working with the Communications Officer to publicise diversity-related events
- networking with relevant networks related to DEI in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Board will be guided by the Working Party on its final set of priorities.
How to apply
IPEd welcomes expressions of interest from members who are able to demonstrate:
- a desire to champion DEI within IPEd and the editing profession
- lived and/or professional experience related to DEI
- relevant skills in or aptitude for advocacy, training and collaboration.
Members who are interested in this role are invited to submit their resume and expression of interest letter (no more than one page) outlining:
- how they fulfil the three points above
- how they would use their engagement skills to inspire and motivate positive change.
IPEd is committed to diversity and accessibility. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations and gender identities, and people with disabilities, and we strongly encourage applications from those with lived experience. The working party will be selected to include a range of perspectives and experiences.
This is a volunteer role, but members will be paid an honorarium in recognition of the cultural load they carry and to honour their experience. Working party members will have the opportunity to shape discussion formats to cater for their needs, with IPEd’s support, to facilitate their participation.
EOIs can be sent via email to Nicole Mathers, secretary@iped-editors.org, by COB Wednesday 17 April 2024. Any questions can be directed to Stephanie Holt, Chair of IPEd, at chair@iped-editors.org or CEO Karen Lee at ceo@iped-editors.org.