Assurance and Data Protection

Location: Canterbury
Salary: £61,818 to £65,573 per annum
Grade: Grade 10
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Release Date: Friday 22 October 2021
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 21 November 2021 (unless otherwise stated)
Interview Date: See advert
Reference: CSF-356-21

The University of Kent is looking to the future, having set out a vision and strategy that builds upon strong foundations in education, student experience and research. As part of this, we’re reshaping our operating model to ensure our directorates and academic divisions are effective, efficient and focused sharply on delivering the University’s ambition to be a leading civic university; delivering an outstanding student experience, outcomes, and world-leading research.

In the context of these exciting changes the University has refreshed key roles within the newly created Directorate of Governance and Assurance. As such, the opportunity has arisen for a professional manager to join our team in the role of “Assistant Director (Assurance)”. In this role you will translate and communicate the vision for an assurance and compliance culture at Kent which is supportive of its vision, mission and strategy. You will be able to resolve complex compliance problems through the correct application of legislation in conjunction with the pragmatic and innovative development of new processes and procedures.

As Assistant Director (Assurance) you will:

Identify, lead and/or manage strategic and/or enhancement projects arising from senior governance and management committee decisions and from sectoral legislative, governance and compliance initiatives, as appropriate
Develop and implement a risk management and business continuity strategy and report on key risks emerging, so that the University’s Executive Group, Council, OfS and other relevant bodies have the assurance that good risk management practices are embedded throughout the University.
Develop and maintain policies and processes to ensure the effective operation of all University assurance, data protection, risk management, business continuity and legal frameworks
Communicate with senior management, staff, students, suppliers and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and build a reputation for sector-leading information management practice
In conjunction with the Director of Governance & Assurance, oversee the provision of internal audit services so that they meet the University’s need and that assignments and reports are delivered to agreed timescales and quality.
Provide legal advice, guidance, support and reports to the Director, Council, committee members and the wider University to ensure continued legal compliance and where required act as the University’s liaison with legal representation (internally or externally)

To be successful in the role you will have/be:

A postgraduate or professional qualification in a relevant area, for example, Data Protection practitioner, legal qualification
Significant professional experience working in a legal, governance or compliance related role in either a large organisation or a third level institution
A proven track record in the leadership, strategic planning and delivery of major compliance projects and of creating new strategies, policies and procedures
Experience of managing large scale projects and initiatives and their implementation in a large and complex environment, whilst ensuring value for money

Interviews are likely to be held in the week commencing 06 or 13 December 2021.

The University of Kent is a distinctive and attractive place to work. We employ over 6,000 staff, including academic and research staff and a full range of support and administration staff. Our stunning main campus in Canterbury, Kent was founded in 1965 and is set among green and tranquil open space overlooking the spectacular Cathedral. Our staff enjoy competitive salaries, an occupational pension scheme, generous holiday entitlements and a great working environment.

Please see the links below to view the full job description and also to apply for this post. If you require further information regarding the application process please contact centralservicesresourcing@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: CSF-356-21