Head of Risk and Compliance

A great opportunity has arisen to join our Risk & Compliance Team. In this position, you will report directly into the group's CEO. The role holder will lead the Risk & Compliance function and framework (2nd line) and the ongoing development of the risk and compliance culture, ensuring all policies, processes, procedures and training meet with UK and Irish financial regulation and legislation.

This role suits applicants who can balance the commercial and technical aspects of the role with the ability to successfully build excellent internal stakeholder relationships.

The Head of Risk & Compliance is approved by the Prudential Regulatory Authority ("PRA") and the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") and is subject to the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM & CR). The role therefore carries with it a number of Prescribed Responsibilities, together with PRA Conduct Standards and FCA Conduct Rules (referred to as Conduct Rules).

The role holder is approved to undertake Senior Management Functions 4 and 16 (Chief Risk Officer and Compliance Oversight).

The Chief Risk function (SMF 4) is the function of having responsibility for overall management of the risk controls of the Society, including the setting and managing of its risk exposures and reporting directly to the Board in relation to its risk management arrangements.

The role holder will undertake the roles of Head of Compliance and Chief Risk Officer for the Society's Irish Branch as approved by the Central Bank of Ireland (PCF 12 AND 14).

Key Responsibilities

Primary duties include:

• Lead and maintain a Risk and Compliance function which is focused, commercial and fit for purpose for the needs of the Society, with an appropriate balance of oversight, advice and support.
• Provide high quality risk and compliance input to the Society's commercial activities and to the deliberations of the Board.
• To be the first point of contact for risk and compliance advice and to procure external regulatory advice as appropriate.
  Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Society's regulators, the Prudential Regulation Authority, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Central Bank of Ireland.
• In conjunction with the Chief Executive, manage the relationship between the Society and the regulators.
• In conjunction with the Non-Executive Director responsible for Risk, to ensure appropriate Risk Management strategies and framework exist.

Compliance

• Maintain an effective compliance framework that is part of an integrated assurance plan
• Lead the day-to-day operation of the compliance function and team
• Develop and periodically review and update appropriate policies and standards of conduct and arrange for the provision of guidance to management and employees.
• Deliver an effective breach management process including effective reporting and ongoing quality improvement.
• Identify, report, mitigate and ensure effective controls of potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk
• Provide reports to keep the Board and senior management informed of the operation and progress of compliance actions and requirements.
• In collaboration with the HR Manager, maintain and oversee effective training and competence framework.
• Support a constructive culture of compliance.
• Ensure that all regulatory developments are appropriately appraised and communicated to the appropriate stakeholders with effective plans and oversight.
• Participate on Management committees as required.
• Ensure any communication with the Regulators is dealt with promptly and within any given deadline.

Risk

• Provide oversight and assurance on key business projects and activities
• Ensure the development, delivery and oversight of an effective integrated programme of assurance with reporting to and oversight from the Risk and Audit Committees.
• In conjunction with the Executive Committee, develop and maintain a risk register with an appropriate heat map and key mitigation factors at both an inherent and residual level.
• Work with the Executive Committee in undertaking risk assessments, which involve analysing risks as well as identifying, describing and estimating the risks affecting the business and the implementation of effective controls.
• Fully support the Solvency II requirements including the development of appropriate SII & risk policies and the development of an appropriate ORSA.
• Co-ordinate the development of the risk appetite framework in line with business strategy and objectives with ongoing oversight and reporting.
• Develop and maintain the appropriate governance mapProvide support, education and training to colleague and teams to build risk awareness within the organisation

What we are looking for

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong supply management and procurement experience including implementing robust contractual arrangements
• Detailed understanding and awareness of the regulatory requirements of the financial services environment
• In-depth understanding of leading a second line function and framework in a financial services environment
• Ability to produce comprehensive and concise reports for differing stakeholders and fora up to Board level.
• Extensive experience of leading risk and compliance teams and frameworks in a financial services environment
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to create and oversee business cases, budgets and benefits realisation
• Extensive experience of working with Boards and leading people (even when not in the immediate direct line) and teams, business resourcing, internal culture and communication.
• Working with Executive, Board Committee and Board Teams
• Experience of partnerships, outsourcing and contract management
• Responsibility for relationship and liaison with regulators

Behaviour and Skills

• Ability to lead teams, activities and co-ordinate plans working in a hybrid working environment
• The ability to develop relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to stakeholders at all levels and backgrounds with the strength to deliver difficult messages and provide clear, objective and evidence-based messages.
• Excellent organisational skills to effectively manage multiple activities at the same time
• Effective negotiator and influencer at all levels and at both an individual and corporate level
• Strong emotional intelligence, a resilience and consistency when working under pressure
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback, challenge and support
• Effective decision maker

What are we offering?

• Life Insurance
• EAP Scheme - with face-to-face sessions if required, 24/7 phone line
• Hybrid working (Hybrid although if you wish to work in the office you can do)
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance, including full cancer and mental health care
• Cashplan, giving you allowances for optical (£175), dental (£175), Chiropractors etc - With Simplyhealth
• Finance Wellbeing Advice
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Green Car Scheme, Holiday purchase, Cycle to Work, Grocery and Childcare
• Shopping and Gym Discounts
• Optical Scheme -Eye test and glasses amount either through the Cashplan or Specsavers
• 30 days holiday - plus all bank holidays
• Charity/Volunteering Day off
• Non-Contributory Company Pension - 10% with Aviva (can salary sacrifice)
• Menopause Support
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Enhanced Paternity Pay/Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Great working team environment
• Various social activities throughout the year

And finally, a great place to have a fulfilling and stimulating career

At The Veterinary Defence Society, we are committed to equality and diversity. We ensure that job standards are relevant to the successful undertaking of the job. We do not indirectly disadvantage any persons on the grounds of gender, age, disability, race, ethnic origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, any other protected characteristic, or social status.

As part the recruitment process, The Veterinary Defence Society collects and processes personal data relating to applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.

Please see here to view our Privacy Notice which details how we will treat your data.

This role is subject to a satisfactory DBS.

No external agencies please, we are already working with one.