Risk and Assurance Lead

Risk and Assurance Lead

Full-Time 34000 - 34000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Northern Advisory Council for Further Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead risk management and assurance strategies to enhance organisational resilience.
  • Company: Join NCFE, a forward-thinking organisation committed to continuous improvement.
  • Benefits: Up to £34,000 salary, 25-30 days annual leave, and hybrid working.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Influence senior leadership decisions and shape a proactive risk-aware culture.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in risk management frameworks.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.

Contract: Permanent

Location: Hybrid (Head Office: Quorum Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne)

This is a hybrid working role, so you’ll need to be able to work from our Head Office 2 days per week.

Hours per week: 37

Salary: Up to £34,000 depending on experience

About the role

We’re excited to be looking for a Risk and Assurance Lead to join our Audit, Risk and Assurance team to support and maintain our organisation-wide risk and assurance framework, ensuring resilience, compliance, and continuous improvement across NCFE. Our Audit, Risk and Assurance team plays a critical role in safeguarding the organisation by embedding robust risk management practices, driving assurance activity, and supporting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This role will give you exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making, allowing you to influence how risk, assurance, and resilience are embedded across the organisation. You’ll play a key role in shaping culture, improving data-driven insights, and strengthening organisational performance through proactive risk management.

How you'll make an impact:

  • Lead the development and delivery of NCFE’s assurance framework, identifying risks, strengthening controls, and improving operational resilience.
  • Implement and embed risk management strategies, policies, and training to foster a strong risk-aware culture across the organisation.
  • Analyse and present risk and assurance data, producing clear, actionable reports for senior stakeholders.
  • Support business continuity and incident response planning, including testing and ongoing resilience activities.

We'd love to hear from you if you offer the following:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide clear insights.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
  • Experience or knowledge of risk management, assurance frameworks, and control environments.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, think strategically, and make informed decisions.
  • A collaborative, proactive approach with strong leadership and facilitation skills.

Feeling inspired? Read the full Job Description.

What will we offer you in return?

Below are just some of the fantastic benefits we’ll offer you to support you both professionally and personally. You can also visit our Life at NCFE page which covers financial, physical and mental health support, time off and your development.

Annual leave starting at 25 days and increasing up to 30 days with length of service.

Risk and Assurance Lead employer: Northern Advisory Council for Further Education

At NCFE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in the vibrant Quorum Business Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring you remain connected with your team. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive professional development opportunities, generous annual leave, and a commitment to your well-being, making NCFE a rewarding place to advance your career in risk and assurance.

Northern Advisory Council for Further Education

Contact Details:

Northern Advisory Council for Further Education Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Risk and Assurance Lead

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their risk management strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. We want you to shine!

Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to risk and assurance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Risk and Assurance Lead

Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Risk Management
Assurance Frameworks
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Risk and Assurance Lead role. Highlight your experience with risk management and assurance frameworks, and don’t forget to showcase those strong analytical skills we’re looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your ability to influence stakeholders and drive a risk-aware culture.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We want to see how you can present complex data in an understandable way!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Advisory Council for Further Education

Know Your Risk Management Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of risk management frameworks and assurance practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your understanding and capability to lead the development of NCFE’s assurance framework.

Show Off Your Analytical Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your analytical prowess by bringing examples of how you've interpreted complex data in the past. Think about specific situations where your insights led to improved decision-making or operational resilience, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Communicate Like a Pro

Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider how you can influence stakeholders at various levels and prepare to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior leadership in the past.

Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration

This role requires a collaborative approach, so think of instances where you've worked effectively within a team. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve facilitated discussions, managed multiple priorities, and contributed to a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.