Head of Business Assurance - HIRC

Better places, thriving communities.

We are looking for a Head of Business Assurance to lead the delivery of an efficient and effective Business Assurance function. The successful candidate will provide business assurance to the Centre Manager in line with Home Office and Mitie Policies and Procedures. This role includes the line management of a team responsible for duties within the function and forming part of a roster for senior on-call support to the Duty Directors, along with the Centre Manager and other senior posts.

As a Head of Business Assurance, you will be accountable for managing the business assurance function and all staff within this area. This includes overseeing activities related to Centre Business Delivery & Planning, Performance Management, Resource Management & Change Management, Staff Welfare, Audit & Assurance, and Facilities Management.

You will develop and complete the Centre's Service Delivery Requirements in line with the Home Office contract, ensuring that information and outcomes on performance and delivery are provided to the Centre Manager within agreed deadlines. You will be responsible for the accurate reporting of performance data and the production of various reports as required by Mitie and the Home Office. Additionally, you will produce the annual Centre business strategy and ensure arrangements support partnership activity within the Centre. You will manage budgets devolved by the Centre Manager and act as the single point of contact for information on partnership working with external service providers and stakeholders.

You will have strategic oversight and management of the Centre's staffing resource, including all Workforce Planning activities. You will ensure the effective and efficient use of staffing resources, planning and coordinating to ensure compliance with the contract. You will liaise with the Care and Custody Training Team regarding training courses and mandatory refresher training. You will develop and deliver effective Staff Engagement and Communication strategies, working closely with Mitie colleagues and external stakeholders regarding recruitment and workforce planning.

You will ensure the Centre's adherence to the contract with the Home Office and other associated Mitie policies. You will manage the Centre's Audit and Assurance activities, liaising with Mitie Audit and Assurance colleagues and Home Office compliance teams. You will ensure timely reporting and understanding of all the Centre's Key Performance Indicators and assurance reporting. Additionally, you will develop and monitor Third Party Action Plans and ensure robust audit control mechanisms are in place.

You will promote Mitie policies and values throughout all areas of delivery, manage the Centre's Complaints Process, oversee performance improvement programmes, and attend relevant meetings, deputising for the Centre Manager as required. You will ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, contribute to the preparation of the Centre contingency and emergency plans, and carry out investigations and administration related to incidents of potential discrimination, complaints, and misconduct. You will provide leadership and management of the Function, apply all HR-related policies and practices, and lead on social value activities within the Centre.

About You

Candidates must have experience of working within a custodial environment at a senior level and a commitment to providing a safe, decent, and secure environment for all. Experience of incident management and resolution at Silver Commander level is required, as is demonstrable experience of performance improvement and management of key performance indicators to enhance service delivery.

Knowledge of third-party expectations, including HMIP, is essential, along with a demonstrable commitment to Mitie Values and expected behaviours. Candidates should possess commercial acumen, including budget management and driving financial efficiencies, as well as experience of line management and supporting/coaching staff across various functions.

The ability to perform well under pressure and balance competing priorities is crucial, as is experience of establishing and maintaining stakeholder relationships at a senior level.

Experience of working within the immigration sector and a working knowledge of relevant policies and procedures are desirable. An understanding of QHSE legislation and its application in a custodial setting, as well as knowledge of facilities management legislation, is advantageous.

Our market-leading offering provides you with benefits that suit your lifestyle.

• We have a virtual GP on hand for you and members of your household. So you can get expert advice by video or phone without having to leave your home.
• We offer financial wellbeing assistance through our Salary Finance scheme. For example, you could access 50% of your earned pay before payday for a small fee. Salary Finance also offers competitive loans.
• When you join us, we’ll give you a link to our flexible lifestyle benefits platform, Choices. You might choose to purchase up to five extra days’ holiday each year. You might buy critical illness insurance, seek dental treatment or buy technology products at an affordable cost. There are many choices!
• We give you access to high street discounts from thousands of well-known retailers, gyms and more through our MiDeals platform. And we have a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Life cover of up to four times your salary is available.
• We also offer enhanced pension contributions, a save-as-you-earn scheme, and a Mitie Matching Share Plan (you could even be awarded free shares in Mitie).
• We award our employees with Mitie Stars as recognition for their hard work. There are cash prizes up for grabs each month and at the end of the year there’s a chance to scoop a top prize of £10,000!
• We offer a diverse variety of training and development avenues via a wide selection of learning resources to suit you.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long-term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need us to make any reasonable adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing Karen Hayes at

Since 1987, Mitie’s 84,000 employees have been maintaining companies globally. We are the UK’s leading facilities management and professional services company, and our clients range from household names in banking, critical government sites as well as hospitals and schools.

Join our Mitie Team.

Together our diversity makes us stronger.

#J-18808-Ljbffr