Applicant Compliance Officer

£32,080, rising to £34,610 Full Time, Permanent - Professional Services. Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research, and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research”. Our people are at the heart of the University – our excellence in teaching, research, and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability, and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

The Role

This is a full-time, permanent role based at our Headington Campus, Oxford. You will report to the Senior Applicant Compliance Officer. The role requires occasional weekend working to support at peak times or recruitment events, including one compulsory Saturday, with time off in lieu (TOIL) provided.

About the Team

The Admissions Office is at the heart of the University’s ambitions to increase our global footprint and broaden access to an Oxford Brookes education. The Admissions Office sits within the Directorate of Marketing, Recruitment and Engagement. The Applicant Compliance team provides a high-quality, customer‑focused, and efficient service in issuing Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to International applicants. The team plays a key role in ensuring the University’s compliance with UKVI Student Route regulations. Within this team, you will support the Senior Applicant Compliance Officer to ensure ongoing UKVI compliance when creating and issuing CAS for International applicants.

What Will I Be Doing?

• Working with the Senior Applicant Compliance Officer to ensure all CAS are assigned correctly and that only genuine students who meet the visa requirements are issued a CAS, aiming for 100% accuracy within agreed deadlines.
• Making decisions on more complex applications and CAS requests by holistically assessing documentary evidence using professional knowledge.
• Ensuring the accuracy of information recorded on Admissions Systems (including CRM and Ellucian) and the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
• Providing detailed guidance and advice on admissions policy and procedure to applicants, agents, parents, and other University staff, especially in relation to CAS issuance.
• Supporting Applicant Compliance Advisers by providing secondary reviews of complex applications/CAS requests and in-depth advice.
• Identifying and flagging applicants who are “at risk” of failing to meet CAS issuance requirements under the student route.
• Coordinating the assessment of complex or non‑standard applications and CAS requests through referral to the International Student Advice or Compliance teams as appropriate.
• Undertaking assessments of the suitability of applicants for undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses at key times in the cycle.

What Skills Do I Need?

• A first degree (or equivalent professional qualification; or equivalent work experience) and an excellent standard of written and spoken English.
• Experience of assessing and making decisions on applications to higher education in the United Kingdom.
• Experience of applying UKVI regulations.
• Thorough understanding of UKVI regulations and knowledge of Student Route Visas.
• The ability to use professional knowledge to make more complex decisions.
• Experience of using CRM or similar systems to input and access data.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral (telephone and in person).
• Experience of delivering high levels of accuracy, particularly during periods of significant workload.
• The ability to work flexibly, as part of a team.

About the Location

The principal location of work is Headington Campus, Oxford. The team uses an agile workspace, typically working approximately two days a week in the office and the remainder at home. The successful candidate will need to be given clearance by the Home Office to be a Level 1 User of the Sponsor Management System (SMS) and handle Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx 5 per year). We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly. We have an extremely competitive Local Government pension scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities.
• Brookes on‑site Nursery.
• Discounted travel options.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Connected community – Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value, and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.