Overview
The Estates Compliance and Risk team sits within the wider Estates function and plays a critical role in ensuring the University’s buildings, infrastructure and activities are safe, resilient and fully compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements. The team leads on the development and delivery of compliance and risk strategy across Estates, providing both strategic oversight and hands‑on operational support. This includes assurance of corporate, statutory and legislative compliance, coordination of Estates risk management processes, and delivery of integrated audit and assurance programmes that support institutional governance and executive decision‑making.
The team works closely with colleagues across the University to drive a proactive compliance culture moving from reactive assurance to preventative risk management through training, guidance and capability building. Key operational responsibilities include asbestos and radon management, statutory building engineering services compliance, contractor management and permit‑to‑work systems, business continuity planning, and health and safety assurance relating to construction and property activities.
The team also provides specialist advice, reporting and assurance to senior leaders and governance committees, helping to strengthen organisational resilience and continuously improve compliance performance across the estate.
Role Overview
The Head of Compliance and Risk provides strategic and operational leadership for Estates compliance and risk management, ensuring statutory, legislative and corporate requirements are met across the University estate. Reporting to the Head of Group Sustainability, Health, Safety and Compliance, the post holder leads the development of Estates compliance and risk strategy, embeds assurance and audit frameworks, and supports institutional governance through high‑quality reporting and executive engagement. The role acts as the senior subject‑matter expert for Estates compliance, advising on emerging risks and regulatory change.
Responsibilities
* Develop and lead the Estates compliance and risk strategy across the University estate.
* Embed assurance and audit frameworks and support institutional governance through high‑quality reporting and executive engagement.
* Provide hands‑on operational leadership for asbestos and radon management, statutory building engineering services compliance, contractor management and permit‑to‑work systems, and health and safety assurance relating to construction and property activities.
* Provide cover for key technical roles when required to maintain statutory compliance.
* Act as senior subject‑matter expert, advising on emerging risks and regulatory change.
Qualifications
* Significant experience in estates compliance, contractor management, and integrated health & safety systems.
* Strong track record of managing and mitigating risk.
* Comprehensive knowledge of property‑related statutory and legislative requirements.
* Experience managing contractor compliance, permit‑to‑work systems and statutory inspection regimes.
* Experience managing high‑performing teams and working in partnership across departments.
* Demonstrable ability to develop and embed policies, frameworks and audit programmes.
* Proven ability to produce clear executive‑level reports that support informed decision‑making.
* Ability to actively seek opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency and move the organisation toward a more preventative, solutions‑focused approach to compliance and risk.
Additional Information
Applicants will undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
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