Assurance Manager - United Kingdom - LGC Group

Description

• Department: Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs

Company Description

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR; ) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research and is the largest funder of health and social care research in the UK.

The role of the newly created NIHR Assurance Unit (NAU) is to deliver intelligent and proportionate assurance to the NIHR Board and ultimately the DHSC by establishing and managing a comprehensive, integrated risk and assurance framework across NIHR. It seeks to do this in an efficient and effective manner; minimising the bureaucratic burden to research organisation, whilst maximising the quality of information, and level of assurance provided.

Following HMT's 'Managing Public Money' guidance, and in line with the recommendations of the 2022 Tickell review, the NAU will work with other major UK research funders to develop consistent and coordinated approaches to gain assurance of research organisations.

Job Description

To work as part of NIHR's Assurance Unit to implement the assurance framework across NIHR and to lead on a range of assurance activities, as part of this framework. Key functions will include:

• To contribute to the development and delivery of NIHR's annual assurance plan.
• To undertake NIHR's annual reviews of research organisations.
• To manage the collection and reporting of assurance information to stakeholders across NIHR.
• To support the Head of Assurance in the continued development of the assurance framework across NIHR.
• To promote high standards and a more consistent and coordinated approach to assurance activities across NIHR

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic

• To work with the Head of Assurance and Assurance Leads to develop and embed a robust and consistent approach to assurance across NIHR.
• To support the development and maintenance of NIHR's risk and controls framework and assurance map.
• To work with the the Assurance Senior Manager to continue to develop the process of Annual Review of research organisations.
• To develop assurance reporting templates and schedules to ensure assurance information to stakeholders in a timely manner.

Operational

• To plan, prepare and undertake the annual funding reviews of research organisations, engaging with internal and external stakeholders throughout the process.
• To support the Head of Assurance in the delivery of the annual assurance plan.
• To manage routine assurance information collection and reporting
• To annually review and update assurance policies and standard operating procedures.
• To coordinate, and contribute to, an assurance working group across NIHR domestic portfolio.

External Relationships

• To build awareness and understanding of the Assurance Unit across NIHR, ensuring that the team has the connections and representation it needs to be effective across the organisation.
• To develop effective relationships and clear communication with the research organisations that are subject to NIHR assurance.
• To provide support and guidance to teams and individuals undertaking assurance activities across NIHR and contribute the development of assurance training materials.
• To be proactive in identifying opportunities to develop NIHR's approach to assurance with regards to the quality of assurance provided; the efficiency of assurance activities; and the experience of assurance stakeholders.
• To seek opportunities to learn lessons and adopt good practice from assurance teams in other research organisations or other sectors

Qualifications

Experience Required:

• *Experience of risk management, internal controls, financial management and audit in an operational setting*
• Experience of planning and undertaking assurance review / audits; forming evidence-based conclusions and recommendations; and documenting these in written reports.
• Experience of working with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• 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.
• Comfortable working as part of a team, willing to support others to meet collective goals
• Diligence, self motivated and able to work without close supervision

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good communication skills - both written and oral

Additional Information

Salary & Benefits

£40,000 - £44,200 PA
Bonus - subject to company performance
25 days annual leave, plus public holidays (UK)
Enhanced contributory pension scheme
Life Insurance
Benenden Healthcare
Season Ticket Loan
Laptop, IT equipment and remote IT support

We offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, flexible working arrangements.
This is an office based, home working (hybrid) role with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices a minimum of 4 days a month, which might increase, subject to team requirements.

Application Process
If you are interested in working with us and feel you have the appropriate background and skills, please apply with your CV, (with the cover letter attached in the same document), outlining your suitability for the role and highlighting your experience against the required criteria.

Applications are invited before the closing date on 24th April 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment.

Company Statement

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age or trade union membership.