Head of Risk & Compliance in London

Head of Risk & Compliance in London

London Full-Time 55000 £ / year No working from home possible
We Love Alfa

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead risk and compliance initiatives, ensuring operational safety and regulatory adherence.
  • Company: Join a dynamic recruitment firm focused on safeguarding and compliance excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity to lead compliance projects and enhance supplier relationships.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping compliance strategies in a fast-paced industry.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in compliance management, strong analytical and interpersonal skills required.
  • Role Description | Head of Risk & Compliance
  • Principal Duties
  • Safeguarding & Operational Compliance
  • Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for regulated sectors, including training and managing operational Designated Safeguarding Officers, facilitating safeguarding investigations, and authorising actions taken during case management.

This includes attendance at strategy meetings with LADO, police, social services and schools, and holding professional review meetings with candidates where necessary.

  • Manage the Candidate Vetting Team, including setting procedures, training requirements, and acting as the point of contact for queries and escalations
  • Act as subject matter expert on Right to Work, Agency Workers Regulations, IR35/off-payroll working status determinations, Modern Slavery Act, Equality Act and whistle-blowing policy & procedure.
  • Assist with client contract reviews where required and facilitate solicitor involvement
  • Provide input into business strategy and advise the board of directors on compliance matters
  • Risk Management
  • Manage company’s risk register including quantification of ‘risk appetite’ i. e. level of risk the company is prepared to accept
  • Report risk in an appropriate way for different audiences, for example, to the Board of Directors so they understand the most significant risks, to business heads to ensure they are aware of risks relevant to their parts of the business and to individuals to understand their accountability for individual risks
  • Conduct audits of policy and compliance to standards, including liaison with external auditors & Regulatory authorities
  • Undertake investigations that may arise following complaints or audit failures
  • Provide support, education and training to staff to build risk awareness within the organisation, and facilitate the wider compliance training schedule across the business
  • Quality Assurance
  • Execute a program of regular sample checks and controls testing into the recruitment process, ‘deep dives’ and more broadly-based thematic reviews – working in conjunction with the functional and divisional heads.

Reviews will cover the business’s recruitment process for contractual and legal compliance.

  • Responsible for maintaining and running our annual ISO audits (including 9001, 14001 and 18001) and administration of the company’s Business Management System (BMS), ensuring that the company retains its accreditations
  • Manage the internal audit schedule and facilitate internal and external audit requests through to completion, including Group auditors and framework clients
  • Report on Management Information to vendor and framework clients
  • Become an expert in Morgan Hunt Policies & Procedures, external legislation, Client Contract requirements and regulatory requirements to ensure a sound understanding of the different and varied compliance requirements; lead the adoption of legislative and regulatory changes into company processes and procedures, ensuring they are effectively rolled out, communicated and understood by staff.

Carry out regular audits and checks to ensure compliance to company policies.

  • Create and update audit tools for new contract wins and amendments to requirements
  • Lead and manage compliance projects across the business, including ad hoc compliance projects and spot audits
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Take a lead on the development of processes and procedures to enhance the quality and compliance of the entire network of delivery suppliers
  • Manage and develop the supply chain to ensure they meet all contractual key performance indicators and service standards
  • Carry out annual audits of umbrella providers and other approved or prospective intermediary PSL suppliers
  • Lead the relationship with all key external suppliers from a risk and compliance standpoint

Essential Knowledge and Skills

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in compliance management within a regulated sector, ideally within the recruitment industry
  • Able to compile reports, analyse, interpret and interrogate data (making relevant recommendations)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills - approachable, helpful, enthusiastic and responsive
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to identify and assess the adequacy of controls frameworks and make appropriate control recommendations
  • Ability to constructively challenge where appropriate, including senior levels, and add value by working with them to enhance their business controls
  • Desired Skills / Experience
  • Understanding of compliance and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 and Employment Agencies Act 1973, including all subsequent amendments
  • Working knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001
  • Experience of construction and public sector legislative requirements

Head of Risk & Compliance in London employer: We Love Alfa

We Love Alfa is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for a Strategic Financial Controller looking to make a significant impact. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer competitive salaries and opportunities to influence senior leadership decisions, all while being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving business growth in a dynamic environment.

We Love Alfa

Contact Details:

We Love Alfa Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Risk & Compliance in London

Join Compliance Communities

Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.

Leverage Your University Career Services

If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.

Showcase Your Knowledge Online

Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like We Love Alfa looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk & Compliance in London

Safeguarding Management
Operational Compliance
Candidate Vetting Procedures
Right to Work Regulations
Agency Workers Regulations
IR35 Determinations
Modern Slavery Act Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at We Love Alfa. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!

How to prepare for a job interview at We Love Alfa

Master the Regulations

Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!

Show Your Analytical Skills

Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!

Know Your Tools

Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!

Align with Company Culture

Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with We Love Alfa’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!