UKRI
Salary: £46,743 per annum
Band: UKRI Band E
Contract Type: 3xFixed Term (23 Months)
Hours: Full time (Flexible working available)
Location: Polaris House (Swindon) - Hybrid working available
Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026
Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and the designated HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.
About the role
Funding assurance in UKRI covers both research and innovation funding and spans the lifecycle of the award process from its inception at designing a scheme to post-project reporting. Its purpose is to provide our Accounting Officer with an overview to support the production of our annual reports and accounts, through outlining our control environment and evidencing regularity and propriety in managing public money. The funding assurance activities undertaken throughout the grant lifecycle are integral to inform decision making and improve the design and effectiveness of the corporate governance, risk management and internal control processes in relation to research and innovation funding.
The primary purpose of the Funding Assurance Senior Manager is to provide front line delivery of research related funding assurance work that contributes to the outcomes reported in the UKRI annual report and accounts. The postholders will undertake reviews of research organisation arrangements for administering research as well as reviews of grant activities and expenditure against terms and conditions of funding.
These roles will also contribute to joint working with other teams in UKRI and other research funders in line with the reducing bureaucracy agenda along with other agreed UKRI harmonisation principles.
Your Responsibilities
* To be responsible for undertaking and delivering Funding Assurance work in line with agreed methodologies.
* To develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the terms and conditions under which research funding is awarded and contribute to, and advise on, the on-going development of UKRI terms and conditions.
* To develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, both internal to UKRI and externally with research administrators and managers at Research Organisations and other funding bodies.
* To represent the Funding Assurance Team at meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops as required.
* To provide monthly status updates on the agreed plan of work to the Funding Assurance Lead.
* To contribute to team meetings, (and ad hoc meetings, where appropriate).
Personal Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
Essential
* A degree or equivalent qualification, or a recognised Accountancy or Internal audit qualification, or a Management of Risk or equivalent qualification. (S)
* Ability to analyse complex data and summarise in concise and clear reports. (S&I)
* Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, and ability to present to diverse audiences at all levels (written and oral). (S&I)
* Ability to plan and prioritise competing workload demands. (I)
* Knowledge of the principles of Full Economic Costing / Horizon Europe Guarantee. (S&I)
* Knowledge of the Research Organisation sector and/or Funding bodies. (S&I)
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
A list of benefits below:
* An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
* 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days. (full time equivalent)
* Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
* Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
* Flexible working options.
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
For further information on our benefits please see:
Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org .
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org .
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who opt into the disability confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.