HE Compliance Officer

About the College

Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 2 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.

The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

About EPNE

At Education Partnership North East, we are passionate about transforming lives through education. As a leading education provider in the North East of England, comprising of Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College we are committed to providing outstanding teaching and learning experiences that help our students to achieve their full potential; and we are ambitious. We are currently the top performing General Further Education college in the North East for 16-19 student achievement and ranked 2nd nationally.

We have a strong college community and encourage our staff and students to be their authentic selves, be respectful of others and to be innovative in how they deliver an excellent student experience by creating an exciting future for everyone working and studying across the group.

As an employer, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where our staff can thrive. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing in their development and wellbeing.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Overall Purpose

To supervise and coordinate the HE student records team. Ensuring full and accurate course and student data, relating to all aspects of EPNE Higher education provision. To provide a comprehensive range of activities supporting HE student and programme-centred administration including the validation and processing of data collected from a variety of sources.

Key Accountabilities

1. Co-ordinate and prioritise the HE student records ensuring timely and accurate HE data recording.
2. Be responsible for the maintenance of the EPNE HE internal course file as well as the course provision via HEI service - creating, maintaining and validating all course delivery.
3. Be responsible for the course provision using HEI services ensuring finance regulations are adhered to.
4. Manage the course, and enrolment data ensuring complete and accurate data for ILR and HESIS returns.
5. Working with the finance department to ensure the Student Loans Company have accurate information and returns are made to strict deadlines.
6. Be aware of key deadlines and provide early warning of any potential point of failure.
7. Ensure the collation of accurate information of audit purposes and maintenance of audit evidence for all HE enrolments.
8. Ensure HE provision data remains compliant with external regulatory framework and standards of education and training.
9. Assist the head of Data Services & Compliance with the preparation, validation and submission of the data returns to HESA, ensuring that the data returns are timely and accurate, reporting on validity of data, co-ordination of audits.
10. Ensure all queries and discrepancies are investigated and resolved promptly to conform to HESA guidance and efficiently in liaison with staff concerned.
11. Work flexibly as part of the Data Services team, contributing to the delivery of efficient data processes, systems and procedures, in order to ensure that a high-quality business support service is provided to staff.
12. Work closely with HE curriculum staff, admissions, finance, exams, and other college staff where appropriate, on matters that may affect the course file, student records, registers data and/or the production of valid and timely ILR and HESA returns.
13. Provide training for staff on HE enrolment/re-enrolment procedures as required. Monitor the quality of data using error reports and other forms of feedback. Identifying the root cause of the problem and using training and process development to support quality improvements.
14. Maintain knowledge and understanding of the student records system, funding methodology, data processing and any other appropriate training as required.
15. Maintain confidentiality and respond to requests for information from external agencies with due regard to College policy and the requirements of GDPR.
16. Be flexible and adaptable in managing workload, responding to different priorities as they arise.
17. To undertake such duties as are reasonably allocated, appropriate to the grade of the post.

General Responsibilities

1. To work at any of the College sites on a temporary or indefinite basis.
2. Comply with College Policies and Procedures and the Staff Code of Conduct which can be accessed via Unify.
3. To take appropriate responsibility for PREVENT and the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children and/or vulnerable adults.
4. To uphold British Values, the college values and responsibilities with regard to equality and diversity.
5. To understand and adhere to college Health and Safety policies and guidelines ensuring compliance with statutory legislation.
6. To invigilate during examinations if and when requested.

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

1. Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
2. Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
3. LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%).
4. Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
5. We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
6. Extensive wellbeing support through a dedicated Wellbeing Adviser, and a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
7. Free onsite parking (* Depending on campus and availability).

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion about the post please email Lesley Smith on Lesley.Smith@educationpartnershipne.ac.uk