Quality and Compliance Officer

The Quality and Compliance Officer is a key role within SYMCA’s Education, Skills and Employability function, supporting the effective assurance, audit and compliance of publicly funded skills and employment support programmes. Working closely with the Quality and Compliance Manager, Contract Management team and a wide range of external delivery partners, you will help ensure that employment support activity is compliant with funding, programme guidance and contractual requirements.

About the role

The Education, Skills and Employability Team are seeking a Quality and Compliance Officer to support the design, implementation and delivery of the quality assurance and compliance framework across employment support programmes. This includes the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, Connect to Work and Work Well, under the banner of Pathways to Work. This role is central to ensuring contract compliance across delivery partners, including local authorities and procured providers. You will carry out audit and assurance activity, validate evidence to support performance and funding claims, and analyse management information and performance data in line with DWP requirements. You will work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to identify risks early, take proportionate action and promote a strong culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the design and implementation of the audit and compliance function for employment support delivery in line with SYMCA requirements and DWP guidance.
• Reviewing programme KPIs, outputs and outcomes to identify early indicators of underperformance or contractual risk as part of the Performance Management Framework.
• Maintaining accurate systems and records to support compliant delivery and monitoring of programmes.
• Preparing and presenting clear reports, briefings and recommendations for the Quality and Compliance Manager and the wider Education, Skills and Employability team.
• Applying a range of compliance testing criteria to assess provider adherence to contractual and funding requirements.
• Translating audit findings into clear outcomes, feedback and actionable recommendations.
• Identifying and mitigating risks related to fraud, malpractice and non‑compliance within skills and employability programmes.

About you

You will bring a strong understanding of quality assurance, audit and compliance within grant‑funded employment programmes. You will be highly organised, analytical and confident in working with complex data, evidence and contractual requirements. You will be solutions‑focused, able to manage sensitive matters with tact and professionalism, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a supportive team environment.

Knowledge, experience and skills

Essential

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of IT solutions used in a business environment.
• Experience of working with highly confidential, sensitive and contentious information.
• Experience of establishing or improving systems, processes and procedures to increase efficiency.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills, with strong influencing and negotiation ability.
• Highly numerate with the ability to analyse and interpret data creatively and innovatively.
• Experience of due diligence and applying compliance and quality assurance methods to manage risk.
• Knowledge and awareness of regulatory quality and compliance standards in employment and skills, including Ofsted, DfE, DWP, Ofqual and Awarding Body requirements.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well‑placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of benefits include:

• Continuous Employment – If you are currently employed by a Local Government employer, or any other employer under the Redundancy Modification Scheme, and do not have a break in service, your length of service can be transferred upon starting.
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees flexibility and discretion over their working hours.
• Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more.
• Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.