Chair of the Racial Diversity Campaign

Responsible to: Federal Board

Salary: N/A; this is a voluntary role

Tenure: until the next scheduled appointment for a three year term, due Q1 2029

Location: this role may be conducted predominantly remotely, primarily using Zoom. Some in-person meetings may be required, usually in Lib Dem HQ (66 Buckingham Gate, London), and attendance at in-person training events and similar may be required.

Time requirement: time commitment varies, and can be intensive at certain points in the Political year.

Closing date: 12 noon on Monday, 25 May 2026

Interview date: Friday, 5 June 2026

Introduction

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. 

You will also have an important role in helping to deliver the party’s overall strategy set by Party Conference. 

Close working with the party’s Vice President responsible for working with ethnic minority communities, the Federal Equality & Diversity Manager, and with the party’s relevant Affiliated Organisations is essential.

While RDC does not hold a large standalone budget, the Chair does play a role in prioritising activity, working closely with party staff to align resources, delivery and ambition.

These roles are appointed by the Federal Board. Candidates will be required to take part in an online interview with a panel of Board members. Interviews take place on Friday 5 June 2026.

Responsibilities

• The Chair - leads on overall strategic leadership, alongside regular meetings with Vice Chairs;
• The Chair - build and maintain external-facing relationships (for example with potential supporters, partners and stakeholders) to raise RDC’s profile, credibility and ability to deliver its objectives; 
• Identifying and supporting talented new potential candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds;
• Working co-operatively with other parts of the party with responsibilities for membership, training and candidate matters; and
• Supporting existing candidates from ethnic minority candidates who wish to stand at higher levels of government (e.g. a councillor who wishes to run for Westminster Parliament).
• Act as a spokesperson for the campaign, representing its interests in meetings, events, and media appearances as necessary.
• Reporting key achievements to Federal Board and Conference.

Person specification

You must be a member of the Liberal Democrats and able to demonstrate your affinity with the values of the party.

Experienced in training and mentoring, with a strong commitment to supporting individuals from diverse and under represented backgrounds 

Deep knowledge of the party’s processes for candidates, from assessment through to fighting a campaign, is desirable.

How to apply

The Federal Board welcomes applications from two people wishing to co-chair RDC, provided written consent is received from both parties. The application should be in the form of one manifesto and two professional CVs.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from candidates from all walks of life. We particularly encourage applications from ethnic minority backgrounds, who are currently under-represented in this area. 

For questions and further details, and to submit an application, please contact the Company Secretary, Rachel Minshull at: companysecretary@libdems.org.uk

Please apply by email, including:

• A 200 word manifesto in support of your application.
• A professional CV of no more than two sides of A4.
• A completed due diligence form. 
• A completed diversity monitoring form. 

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

Applications will close at 12 noon on Monday 25 May 2026.

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. 

The Party believes it is essential to foster equity, equality, diversion and inclusion within our workforce. We want our volunteers to thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome and supported to achieve their potential. It is important to celebrate what makes us unique and that you feel valued, appreciated and free to be who you are.