Please note, this vacancy is open to current University of Glasgow employees only 

Job Purpose

To lead and coordinate compliance and assurance activities across Student and Academic Services, ensuring the university has the required oversight and assurance from key functions aligned to statutory and regulatory obligations.  Compliance areas within scope of the role include UK Visas and Immigration student immigration, academic quality and standards (including appeals), disability and reasonable adjustment, student records and financial aid.

The role holder will work closely with service leads to embed quality assurance and reporting within operations and ensure institutional oversight and insights to our compliance with external bodies including the UK Visas and Immigration, Quality Assurance Agency, Student Loans Company, Scottish Funding Council, Student Awards Agency Scotland, and US Federal Loans.  The role holder will contribute to promoting a culture of continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and actively advance compliance and assurance activities across Student and Academic Services by working collaboratively with Heads of Service to understand statutory and regulatory compliance levels across diverse business areas.

2. Assess and enhance capacity to deliver high-level compliance analytics and governance reporting within Student and Academic Services that provides strategic assurance, ensuring key functions operate with appropriate oversight and alignment to institutional, statutory, and regulatory obligations.

3. Work with the Student and Academic Services executive team to identify compliance gaps and emerging risks, shaping development priorities that align with institutional governance, regulatory standards, and reputational integrity.

4. With a strong focus on data-led interventions, collaborate with Heads of Service to develop quality control systems, reporting and resolving quality and compliance related issues.

5. Identify and set appropriate quality standards and parameters for the prioritised areas of compliance, working with teams to embed these into operational practices and establish clear lines of accountability to monitor progress and ensure sustained adherence.

6. Conduct internal audits and inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations, providing actionable feedback and working with teams to address findings, strengthen controls, and drive continuous improvement.

7. Track, analyse, and report on quality and compliance metrics to identify trends, inform decision-making, and support continuous improvement ensuring insights are communicated appropriately.

8. Maintain a compliance risk register ensuring timely identification, documentation, and review of risks. Escalate significant issues through appropriate governance channels, enabling informed decision-making and proactive mitigation.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications 

Essential

A1 Ability to demonstrate the necessary strategic competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and leadership experience in a similar or number of different specialist roles.

A2 Detailed knowledge of current and emerging issues, priorities and good practice in relevant aspects of Higher Education

A3 Detailed knowledge of the UK higher education sector including governance and the regulatory environment.

A4 Good knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. Data Protection Act, FOI and awareness of other legislation (e.g. Disability Discrimination Act, UK Visas and Immigration, Quality Assurance Agency) and implications of non-compliance.

A5 Sound awareness of relevant technological and digital developments

Skills

Essential:

C1 Demonstrable ability to think strategically and analytically, to influence others and to

manage change in a complex environment.

C2 Excellent communication skills using a variety of media and communicating with a wide

range of people, singly and in groups.

C3 Outstanding digital and data skills

C4 Understanding of university governance and an ability to work effectively within a collegial

decision-making culture.

C5 Excellent judgement, integrity, patience, and commitment to enhancement.

C6 Ability to be resilient under pressure, to prioritise and to deliver to tight deadlines.

C7 Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

C8 High attention to detail and accuracy.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience in a compliance, assurance, or regulatory role within higher education or a similarly complex environment.

E2 Experience of audits, inspections, or regulatory reviews.

E3 A track record of success in using data and analytics to inform decision making.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 9, £59,966 - £67,468 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 2 years from start date

 Closing date: 23:45 01/10/2025

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. **For more information please visit: **https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

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As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.