Data Services & Compliance
Location:
Sunderland
Salary:
£33,955 to £38,202 per annum
Post Type:
Full Time
Contract Type:
Permanent
Closing Date:
23.59 hours GMT on Monday 03 November 2025
Reference:
0515-25
About the College
Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.
The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About the Role
In this role, you will ensure the accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of the College's funding and data processes. You'll maintain up-to-date knowledge of funding methodologies from bodies such as the DfE, devolved authorities, and the OfS, ensuring all ILR and statutory returns are accurate and submitted on time. Working with the Head of Data Services & Compliance, you'll focus on funding maximisation, audit readiness, and data integrity, supporting staff training where needed. You'll also assist with the HESES return, manage PDSAT and FRM reports, and help maintain and develop systems including ProSolution, ProAchieve, and ProMonitor. Collaboration with colleagues across Data Services and Business Intelligence will be key to ensuring coherent, efficient, and well-documented processes.
Role Responsibilities
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of funding methodologies and regulations, ensuring data accuracy, compliance, and alignment with stakeholder and audit requirements.
* Oversee and validate data returns, including ILR submissions, identifying and resolving data quality issues using reports such as PDSATs and EAS.
* Work collaboratively across the College — including curriculum, apprenticeships, partnerships, and training teams — to maximise funding opportunities and ensure accurate recording.
* Provide advice, guidance, and training to staff on funding rules, ILR changes, and data compliance, supporting continuous improvement in processes and data quality.
* Support internal and external audits, preparing and validating evidence, and supplying accurate funding and performance information to senior leaders.
* Contribute to effective cross-college communication and coordination, ensuring consistent standards, system integrity, and responsive management of priorities and resources.
Qualifications
* Educated to a minimum of Level 4 in a Business related discipline or relevant experience
* Educated to a minimum of Level 3 in an ICT related discipline or relevant experience
* GCSE Mathematics and English Grade A* - C (4+) or equivalent qualifications
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience interpreting and applying funding methodologies and regulations from bodies such as the DfE, OfS, and devolved authorities.
* Demonstrated success in managing accurate and timely ILR and statutory data returns, including cleansing data errors and producing PDSAT and FRM reports.
* Experience supporting funding maximisation through collaboration with curriculum, apprenticeship, and partnership teams, providing advice on funding compliance and planning.
* Skilled in maintaining data quality and integrity, with a track record of developing and implementing effective audit and validation processes.
* Proficient in using and maintaining key data and reporting systems such as ProSolution, ProAchieve, ProMonitor, FIS, and related software.
* Experience working collaboratively across teams and departments, supporting staff training, audit preparation, and performance reporting to senior management.
What's in it for you?
Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
* Enjoy a generous holiday allowance days per year, plus public holidays).
* Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
* LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% %)
* Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
* We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
* Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
* Free parking on most campuses.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.