Conduct Assurance Lead in Watford

At the heart of everything we do is our vision to change lives every day, and our mission to grow The National Lottery responsibly and champion its impact. We are Allwyn UK, part of the Allwyn Entertainment Group – a multi-national lottery operator with a market-leading presence across the USA and Europe. While the main contribution of The National Lottery to society is through the funds to good causes, at Allwyn we put our purpose and values at the heart of everything we do. Join us as we embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, large-scale transformation journey by creating a National Lottery that delivers more money to good causes.

A bit about the role: Our licence to operate the National Lottery embeds propriety as a key outcome. This role will report into the Head of Regulatory Assurance and lead the conduct assurance work program comprising conduct vetting (‘Fit and Proper’) and other conduct-related matters as directed which may be relevant to the integrity of our operations. The role is the organisation’s subject-matter lead for Fit and Proper and is expected to exercise independent judgement, provide credible challenge, and make recommendations on the assurance of propriety matters at senior level.

Priorities will include the evolution of Allwyn’s approach to complying with conduct vetting compliance obligations, including ongoing improvements to and assurance of risk-based vetting to provide assurance on how relevant outcomes have been met through the design and application of our conduct vetting framework. The role requires thought leadership on effective and practical compliance, engagement with and understanding of contemporary best practice, the ability to interpret and distil detailed requirements in a way which is simple, clear and meaningful for the business and advocacy with our regulator.

It requires extensive cross-functional business partnering, an understanding of outcomes-based regulation and experience in risk assessment, management and controls best practice and the ability to stay on top of legislative, regulatory and best practice developments in this area to ensure conduct frameworks remain fit for purpose.

What you’ll be doing:

• Maintain conduct vetting policies, standards and guidance ensuring they are up to date with legislative and regulatory change and reflect contemporary best practice across sectoral comparisons.
• Horizon scan for relevant regulatory and industry developments, including emerging risks and approaches to risk management.
• Partner with the People team to embed conduct vetting and ongoing compliance into appointment processes and People policies.
• Partner with first and second line Risk & Compliance teams to identify, implement and test vetting controls including the development and delivery of assurance activity (e.g. thematic reviews, control testing, MI analysis) to assess effectiveness and support Executive and Board assurance as a means of providing assurance and demonstrating Propriety outcomes have been met.
• Provide practical, clear written and verbal advice and guidance to functional stakeholders including general awareness and training activities.
• Coordinate the activities of key stakeholders - People Team, Legal, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, Protective Security.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs to provide comprehensive compliance advice to functional stakeholders on the application of vetting requirements and compliance with Licence obligations.
• Act as the point of contact with the Gambling Commission (GC) for all updates, queries, waivers, consents and notifications including explaining and defending Allwyn’s approach to conduct, vetting compliance and assurance.
• Create internal and external reports of compliance, risks and outcomes as required.

What experience we’re looking for:

• Excellent understanding of propriety/conduct risk management and governance in the area of conduct vetting in a regulated or high-integrity environment or demonstrated relevant ability to quickly become conversant and authoritative in these areas.
• Experience in interpreting regulatory requirements; translating and applying technical regulation in a commercially pragmatic and outcomes-focussed way.
• Proven autonomous senior level experience in regulatory engagement and advocacy.
• High attention to detail, highly analytical and with first class written and verbal communication skills and presence.
• Proactive problem solver, able to take ownership of and initiative for maintaining a practical, proportionate approach to compliance and assurance.
• Excellent business partnering, collaboration and engagement skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional projects.
• The ability to persuasively lead and influence approaches and build consensus.
• Bright, intellectually agile, able to learn and manage complexity quickly.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic solutions driven mind-set.
• Experience gained in a highly regulated sector (e.g. gambling, financial services, utilities, defence, public sector or similar) is desirable.

Key Measures of Success:

• Propriety compliance frameworks, including policies, are kept up-to-date and reflect current legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
• Pro-active engagement with key business stakeholders to anticipate and plan for vetting support needs.
• Collaboration with People, Regulatory, Risk and other teams to ensure holistic consistent advice to functional stakeholders.
• Designing an ongoing approach to vetting compliance in line with an outcomes-based licence and which supports business outcomes.
• All stakeholders are aware of and supported to comply with requirements.
• Post-appointment propriety risks are identified, monitored and managed.
• Timely escalation of risks to the key Director and Executive stakeholders.
• Assurance is provided to the Executive and Board on propriety risk management and compliance including clear articulation of risk, emerging issues and regulatory confidence in Allwyn’s approach and communicated to the regulator in line with licence requirements.

About us: At Allwyn, we are dedicated to changing lives and growing the National Lottery responsibly, championing its positive impact on people, places, and the planet. Innovation - We pride ourselves on it! We’re constantly looking for new ways to excite our customers, bringing new products to market to enjoy which is all supported by our responsible play values and making them accessible to all. Giving back – Did you know that playing the lottery generates around £30m a week for charities and good causes in the UK? Our aim is to have doubled this number by the end of the first 10-year license. Sustainability – Our aim is to become a net zero national lottery. We have 2030 targets to decarbonise our operations and energy. We’ve already transitioned to renewable energy providers, made our London and Watford offices zero gas, and ensured our fleet consists of low-emission vehicles. In addition, we’re working with our value chain partners to develop a net zero target date. Empowering every voice – We believe in creating a culture where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, has access to opportunities and can thrive for the benefit of good causes. Our diverse teams are working hard to make all parts of The National Lottery inclusive – whether people play a game in a store or online, because when everyone can play, everyone wins.

An inclusive reward offering with wellbeing at the centre: At Allwyn, inclusion is built into how we care for our people. Our benefits and policies support colleagues and their families at every stage of life and career. By prioritising wellbeing and belonging, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued, rewarded, and empowered to succeed. Our people are more than colleagues - they’re winners, driving positive change and making a real difference in communities.

Benefits:

• Company Bonus Scheme
• Matched pension contributions up to 8.5%
• 26 days annual leave + 2 Life Days (and bank holidays)
• Single Private Health Cover
• Complimentary Private Medical Income Protection
• Flexible Benefits – EV Scheme, Money Coach, Will Writing, Mortgage Advice, Dental and Eye Care Schemes.
• Enhanced Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoption)
• Wellness Allowance £500
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted Health Assessments
• Volunteering Days
• Matched Funding

We are a Disability Confident Leader which means we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure our workplace is accessible and inclusive for disabled and neurodivergent colleagues and candidates. As part of this we offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential requirements of the job. If you need any assistance or adjustments to this job description or in the application process, please contact a member of the talent team at careers@allwyn.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.