Statutory Returns Officer in London

Company Overview

GBS is a higher education provider offering sector-relevant courses across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Working in partnership with several of the UK’s leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare, and more.

Role Overview

The Statutory Returns Officer reports to the Head of Statutory Returns within the Statutory Returns team. The team is a subset of the larger registry group responsible for planning and auditing statutory returns. This position is tasked with proactive engagement with internal staff, external stakeholders and maintaining authoritative knowledge of statutory reporting requirements to regulatory bodies such as OfS, HESA, and others. Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce student‑related statutory external returns for the Office for Students and the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
• Communicate data collection requirements for statutory returns across GBS departments.
• Audit and monitor data quality within the student records system, specifically for external returns.
• Review processes and liaise with relevant teams to improve processes and prevent recurring data quality issues.
• Evaluate whether data‑collection processes meet statutory requirements and monitor data quality within student records.
• Attend webinars to stay updated on statutory requirements and disseminate knowledge to staff.
• Monitor websites and publications of HESA, OfS and other agencies for changes in reporting requirements.
• Provide training to staff on statutory requirements and how their work contributes to returns.
• Build positive relationships with professional services teams and academic staff, coordinating with key stakeholders in designated departments.
• Use initiative and judgement to solve day‑to‑day problems with flexibility and timeliness.

Essential Experience / Skills

• Experience with HESA and Data Futures student record submissions.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Knowledge of Graduate Outcomes or NSS returns.
• Knowledge of data quality checking processes.
• Successful experience resolving issues with processes or data systems for users at different levels.
• Proactive problem‑solving approach with curiosity to investigate and resolve issues.
• Ability to provide courteous, high‑standard customer service.
• High personal integrity, confidentiality and strong attention to detail.
• Team‑work and flexible, effective working to meet changing needs.
• Commitment to own learning and development.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality record.

Desirable Experience / Skills

• Sound understanding of relational database model implementation.
• Effective skills in statistical analysis and data modelling.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays.
• 1 extra day leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days.
• Workplace pension scheme.
• Tuition reimbursement for career development courses.
• Flexible benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and more.
• Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and more.
• Reward and recognition programme.
• £500 award employee referral scheme.
• Discretionary annual performance bonus.

Employment Details

• Type of Contract: Permanent.
• Working Pattern: Full Time (40hrs per week).
• Salary Range: £38,000‑£42,000 per annum.
• Location: London, Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds Campus (On‑site).

EEO Statement

GBS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We take our core values seriously and work hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed.