Business Assurance Manager (Full-time, Permanent Position) Ark Housing Association based in Belfast is a progressive Housing Association with ambitious plans for growth over the next five years. We are seeking to recruit an experienced and self-motivated individual to join our organisation as Business Assurance Manager. This is a strategic and hands-on role, ideal for someone who thrives on embedding best practice, driving continuous improvement, and influencing senior stakeholders. Reporting to the Director of Finance & Corporate Services, the successful applicant will be responsible for the provision of all business assurance and corporate services to the Association, overseeing risk frameworks, data protection, equality and diversity, leading assurance reviews, and ensuring governance compliance across the organisation. The successful candidate is likely to: Have a degree-level qualification in a relevant business discipline (e.g., Business Administration, Governance, Compliance, Finance, Risk Management, Auditing). Have a minimum of three years post qualification experience in as similar role. Strong understanding of governance frameworks and corporate compliance requirements. Strong working knowledge of data protection legislation Additionally, the successful candidate should possess excellent level of IT literacy with extensive experience in the use of a wide range of Microsoft Office products and must also have effective interpersonal and written communication skills. What we can offer you: A salary ranging from £43,981 to £50,967 (Depending on experience) A Contributory Pension Scheme (Currently 19% employer contribution) An essential car user allowance of £1,239 per annum and mileage is reimbursed at a rate of £0.45p per mile travelled for work purposes. 22 days annual leave moving to 27 after 5 years service and 32 days after 10 years service. 13 customary holidays per annum. A range of excellent work and family friendly policies. Hybrid Working arrangements Anyone wishing to apply for the above position may get a recruitment pack by clicking on this link: Business Assurance Manager - Ark Housing For a confidential discussion regarding this position, please contact John McVey, Director of Finance & Corporate Services. Ark Housing reserves the right to enhance the criteria for the short listing of suitable candidates without further notification. Closing Date for Receipt of Completed Applications is: 12 Noon Friday 17th October Ark Housing is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from individuals irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, religion, race, ethnic origin, age or sexual orientation. The job details and job description is as follows: JOB DESCRIPTION JobTitle: Business Assurance Manager Reporting To: Director of Finance & Corporate Services (DFCS) Main Purpose of Role To deliver, manage and maintain, high-quality corporate, business assurance, and business administration services and systems in accordance with best practise and legal and regulatory requirements. To work closely with the Board, Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team as required across a range of key business areas. Core Areas of Responsibility General Business Administration & Management Governance Administration & Management Corporate & Business Assurance Data Protection Equality & Diversity Leadership and Management Core Areas of Responsibility General Business Administration & Management To oversee and manage the organisations central filing and data storage system ensuring compliance with data protection and data retention and handling requirements. To oversee the procurement, administration, and management of all designated corporate and business related external contractual services, including but not limited to ICT; HR; Internal Audit; Telecommunications; and Office Equipment & Associated Supplies and to ensure that these contracts are managed in accordance with Procurement requirements. To maintain centralised business registers (e.g contract register; policy register; internal audit recommendations register and others) as required and in accordance with policy. To design, maintain, and ensure the implementation of, compliant organisational wide practises and processes in relation to the appointment, on-boarding, and induction of new employees. To oversee all recruitment processes within the organisation. To oversee Human Resources function in consultation with our external HR advisors. Governance Administration & Management In consultation with the Chief Executive and / or Director of Finance & Corporate Services, assist in the preparation and provision of high-quality administrative services to the Board and its Committees, including but not limited to, meeting and agenda preparation in accordance with reporting requirements; minute-taking; management of the governance SharePoint site; documenting and organising Board member training events; recording attendances and administrating annual reviews. Corporate & Business Assurance To develop an annual corporate training plan (and implement) for the organisation, ensuring that all employees receive core corporate training on key areas such as HR, Equality, and Health & Safety, and to identify gaps in such training, and to maintain records of training delivered in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. In consultation with the Chief Executive and / or the Director of Finance & Corporate Services, lead on the implementation of the agreed Internal Audit Programme, acting as the key point of contact with the Internal Auditor, and managing and monitoring the delivery of all Internal Audit recommendations. To develop and implement an internal quality assurance programme in respect to policy compliance across a range of business areas and as guided by business need. To maintain reports that track quarterly progress against business plan objectives and core KPIs, and to test data on an ongoing basis for accuracy. To lead any agreed organisational initiative to attain quality assurance accreditations. In consultation with the Chief Executive and / or the Director of Finance & Corporate Services, lead on the collation of the Regulatory Standards Annual Return to the Department for Communities. To ensure that all reports produced and intended for publication are made available as required through the appropriate channels and in conjunction with the PR & Comms Officer. To participate in sector-wide benchmarking exercises as required from time to time. To act as the Associations Complaints Officer in respect to the investigation, handling, processing and reporting of all complaints received. To ensure all relevant policies (Corporate, HR, Health & Safety, and Governance) are reviewed from time to time and maintained and implemented in accordance with developing legislative or regulatory changes. To manage and maintain the organisations Corporate & Operational Risk Register in accordance with the associated policy and Board reporting requirements and in consultation with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team. To manage, maintain, review, and periodically test the organisations business continuity and recovery policies and strategies. Data Protection To ensure organisational-wide compliance with data protection legislation and policy requirements through the design and implementation of robust systems of assurance and control. To lead on the review, development, and maintenance of data protection policies, and procedures. To conduct regular data protection audits and risk assessments for compliance monitoring and service improvement purposes. To undertake Data Privacy Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new projects. To manage and record all Data Subject Requests in line with statutory requirements. To coordinate responses to data breaches and security incidents. To deliver training and internal awareness programmes on data protection best practices and policy. Equality & Diversity To develop, review, and implement the organisations Equality Scheme and Disability Action Plan. To ensure compliance with relevant equality legislation and best practices. To lead on all internal and external equality and disability-related complaints. To ensure compliance with all reporting requirements, including the delivery of the annual report to the Northern Ireland Equality Commission. To ensure the delivery of all training requirements for all staff in respect to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Leadership & Management To uphold and promote the organisations mission, vision, and values. To manage, support and supervise, direct line employee reports. To represent the organisation at external events, meetings, forums, and conferences. To conduct staff performance reviews and provide professional development guidance. To ensure adherence to Health & Safety regulations and internal policies. To organise corporate events, conferences, and stakeholder functions as required. To always maintain confidentiality. Note: This job description provides an overview of responsibilities and is not exhaustive. The successful candidate may be required to perform additional duties as directed. Business Assurance Manager (Personnel Specification) Qualifications Essential Desirable Degree-level qualification in a relevant business discipline (e.g., Business Administration, Governance, Compliance, Finance, Risk Management, Auditing). Membership of a Relevant professional body (e.g., ICSA, CGI) Relevant Certificate in Data Protection (e.g., BCS Practitioner Certificate, C-DPO, PDP Practitioner Certificate) Leadership & Management Qualification Level 5 Experience Essential Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of three years' relevant experience, in the most recent five years, in a similar role to include at least three of the core areas of responsibility as set out in the job description Experience in implementing quality management standards (e.g., ISO) Experience in business improvement frameworks and internal auditing Experience in the social housing / public sector in NI Knowledge Strong understanding of governance frameworks and corporate compliance requirements Working knowledge of Data Protection legislation, policy & best practise as it applies to Northern Ireland and corporate bodies. Skills & Abilities Excellent level of IT literacy with extensive experience in the use of a wide range of Microsoft Office products. Strong presentational and report writing skills Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders and negotiate with others. Strong organisational and analytical skills. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities Desirable Full driving license and access to own car for occasional travel. Selection Timetable The closing date for completed applications is 12noon on Friday 17th October 2025. Responses will only be accepted on the relevant application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted. The shortlisting process is envisaged to take place week commencing 20th October 2025 with successful applicants invited for interview week commencing 10 November 2025 (subject to confirmation). Further details will be provided to those candidates invited to participate in this stage of the process. In the event that a candidate is invited to interview but is unavailable on the proposed date and time due to reasons beyond their control, the panel may endeavour to accommodate an alternative arrangement subject to their own availability, although this may not be possible and is not guaranteed unless an adjustment is required in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Demonstration of Competencies Candidates will be required to demonstrate during the selection and assessment process that they satisfy the core requirements of the post as set out in the job description and person specification. Guidance Notes on Completing Your Application Form It is important that you read these notes carefully before you complete the application form. Job Description and Personnel Specification The Job Description and Personnel Specification will assist you in deciding whether you meet the minimum essential criteria for this position. Please remember that the Association reserves the right to increase the criteria used for the short listing of candidates to be selected for interview without further notification. You should use the job description and personnel specification to help you consider your relevant experience, qualifications, skills and abilities and ensure that you outline how you meet those requirements when completing the relevant section of the application. Short Listing Candidates Candidates will be selected solely on the information provided in the application form therefore you should ensure that you answer all sections fully and address all essential and desirable criteria where possible. Confidential Equality Monitoring Form To comply with our obligations under Equal Opportunities and Fair Employment legislation we are required to monitor our recruitment exercises in order to ensure that our recruitment policies and procedures are effective. All applicants are therefore required to complete the Equal Opportunities Form associated with this application. You should ensure that you complete the Equality Form and return it in a separate envelope addressed to the Equality Officer and marked Private & Confidential. We will not use data from our equal opportunities monitoring form as part of the selection process. Supporting Documents Documentary evidence will be required if you are shortlisted to attend for interview. This will include photographic identification e.g. passport, driving license or other form of acceptable ID. Copies of your educational qualifications, professional membership and any other documents required to support your application will also be required. You may bring these documents to the office with you on the day of your interview and staff will arrange to copy them for you. Please note that all documents provided must be original. Disclosure of Criminal Records All applicants must complete this section of the form fully and where criminal convictions are disclosed details must be provided of the offence(s) of which the applicant has been convicted and any relevant details relating to the offences. You should note that Ark Housing are required to carry out checks on all people being considered for employment with the Association through the Access NI scheme. Data Protection All information provided by applicants will be used solely for the purposes for which it is required in this recruitment exercise and will not be disclosed to others except where we are obliged to do so in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations. Equality of Opportunity Ark Housing is an Equal Opportunities Employer, and we welcome applications from all sections of our community. Arrangements can be made for those applicants who require additional support or assistance because of a disability or other consideration which may hinder them in this application process. If you require such assistance, please contact John McVey at this office on Tel: or Email:. General Points The application form, if completed by hand, should be completed in black ink and must be legible. If submitted by post, please make sure that you leave plenty of time for your application to be received by the closing date & time. Please remember that late applications will not be accepted. Ensure that you have signed and dated the application form. Electronic signatories are acceptable on emailed applications. Do not send any supporting documentation with this application form. We may ask for such documents if your application is successful, and you are shortlisted for interview. Please ensure that you have the permission of your nominated referees to act on your behalf and that they agree to provide you with a reference. Canvassing on behalf of your application will disqualify your application.