Senior Partnerships Due Diligence Lead in High Wycombe

The University is seeking two Senior Due Diligence Officers to safeguard the university’s academic integrity and reputation, ensuring that educational collaborations—both domestic and international—are ethically sound, legally compliant, financially robust, and aligned with the University’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate due diligence processes for new and renewing academic partnerships, including transnational education (TNE), joint programmes, and articulation agreements.
• Assess institutional profiles, governance structures, accreditation status, and reputational standing of partner organisations.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (Legal, Finance, Quality Assurance, Academic Faculties) to gather input and ensure cross‑functional review.
• Develop and maintain due diligence frameworks, checklists, and reporting templates aligned with sector best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and produce clear, evidence‑based recommendations for partnership approval panels; monitor regulatory developments and geopolitical risks that may impact existing or prospective partnerships.
• Maintain accurate records of due diligence outcomes and ensure audit‑readiness.
• Support the development of training and guidance materials for staff involved in partnership development.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of partnership governance processes and systems.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• Perform other duties as reasonably required.

Qualifications – Essential Criteria

• First degree or equivalent.
• Experience delivering an excellent customer experience in an academic or regulatory environment.
• Experience as an administrator and in committee servicing/minute taking.
• Experience dealing with sensitive casework and problem solving.
• Experience of educational working practices; knowledge of UK higher education systems, processes, and procedures.
• Experience analysing and reflecting on data and processes, proposing change and solutions.
• Aware of data protection, freedom of information, and consumer rights legislation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and databases.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including report writing.
• Strong organisational and planning skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive, flexible attitude; able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, manage simultaneous projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, weekends, and travel within the UK and overseas as required.

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement – 30 days per annum plus bank holidays and closure days.
• Hybrid working arrangements, dependent on business needs.
• Training and development support opportunities.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Discounted gym membership for the on‑site gym.
• Range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Equal Opportunity

The University is proud to have a diverse community and is committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace. BNU values diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people.