Head of Assurance - Twickenham, United Kingdom - LGC Limited

LGC Limited
LGC Limited
Verified Company
Twickenham, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Tom O´Connor

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Tom O´Connor

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Description

Background:


The newly created NIHR Assurance Unit (NAU) delivers intelligent and proportionate assurance to DHSC by seeking to change our mechanisms for managing risk.

Following HMT's 'Managing Public Money' guidance the NAU will align with other major UK funders and work in a consistent and collaborative way, seeking assurance at organisational level rather than focusing on projects.


Assurance featured prominently in the Tickell review of research bureaucracy and the postholder will be responsible for developing and implementing an assurance strategy that puts efficiency for the research ecosystem at the heart of it's work.


Job purpose:

As NIHR Assurance Unit (NAU) is a new function, the Head of Assurance will have the responsibility of establishing its purpose and remit, developing an appropriate operating model, and ensuring the collaborative vision is delivered:

  • Develop and own the NIHR Assurance Strategy
  • Develop and own the operating model and annual operating plan
  • Develop clear understanding of assurance standards and legislation; ensure NIHR works to them and aligns with other funders
  • Embed a culture of continuous improvement within the NAU with particular focus on efficiency for award holders
  • Develop the assurance and risk management culture within NIHR to ensure the value of the NAU is understood and appreciated; act as lead on all assurance work


The post holder will manage the NAU team which will grow as the activities are established but is expected to be four people.

The post holder will also be responsible for meeting reporting requirements and will be expected to exhibit a 'digital first' approach to all NAU work.


Key Responsibilities:

Strategic

  • Develop the NIHR Assurance Strategy from the NAU vision. Ensure the principles of the NAU, the expectations of its work and the targeted improvements are all clearly articulated.
  • Develop the operating model of the NAU with clear reference to interactions with other NIHR centres as necessary.
  • Lead on all aspects of assurance management across NIHR
  • Develop and manage the crossNIHR policies pertaining to assurance and risk management.
Operational

  • Develop audit plans in collaboration with other UK funders for each financial year with longer term (35 year) audit cycles prepared.
  • Develop the annual Strategic and Operational Plan with clear links to the strategy and improvement targets; ensure the plan is well communicated and understood across NIHR.
  • Take responsibility for the NAU role in wider NIHR governance and ensure all reporting requirements are met.
  • Ensure the development and documentation of all policies and procedures of the NAU, aligning with other UK funders whenever possible.
  • Establish knowledge requirements across NIHR for assurance topics and lead on training development.
  • Ensure good data quality across all aspects of NAU work, monitor data quality and resolve issues when necessary.
  • Line manage NAU posts (up to 4.0 fte).
External Relationships

  • Develop relevant relationships across research funders to enable the vision of shared assurance to become a reality.
  • Develop common understanding of review/audit requirements and standards, evidence NIHR maintaining these standards.
  • Ensure NIHR can quantify the benefits of sector aligned audits.
  • Represent NIHR on all assurance related topics.
Continuous Improvement

  • Advocate for continuous improvement and actively seek opportunities to realise efficiencies in assurance/risk management for both NIHR and the research hosts.
  • Through NIHR contacts and understanding, seek opportunities for the NAU to increase the benefits offered through centralisation of assurance activities.

Qualifications

Experience Required:


  • Experience of risk management, risk mitigation and audit in an operational setting, ideally in a research funding environment.
  • Experience of creating and then managing robust and complex processes, ideally in a research funding environment.
  • Experience of developing and maintaining excellent internal and external working relationships and delivering mutual benefit.
  • Experience of managing and developing others.

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:


  • Ability to coach, develop and motivate people working in a high pressure environment.
  • Comfortable working in a demanding and evolving environment; able to adapt and be flexible to changing needs.
  • Curious mind with an appetite to constantly improve the service offered.
  • Demonstrate a focus on efficiency but willing to constructively challenge when necessary.

Other Skills and Abilities:


  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Welldeveloped written and presentation skills.
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