Compliance Officer

Role Overview

An experienced compliance professional is needed to oversee the full compliance journey for candidates, from initial registration through to final clearance. This position plays a key part in making sure every candidate satisfies safeguarding and regulatory requirements before being approved for work, while also helping the wider business maintain strong compliance controls, audit readiness, and legal adherence.

The role carries significant responsibility and calls for meticulous attention to detail, confident communication, and the ability to manage a high volume of candidates without compromising quality.

Candidate Compliance and Safeguarding

• Own the entire compliance workflow, starting at registration and continuing through to clearance.
• Check identity documents, proof of the right to work, and qualification records.
• Handle DBS applications and related disclosures.
• Collect, assess, and verify references from previous employers.
• Review gaps in employment history and confirm work records.
• Complete health declarations and risk assessments when needed.
• Make sure candidates satisfy Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) requirements.
• Enter compliance data accurately into the CRM system.
• Keep every candidate file fully traceable with complete audit records.

Compliance Management

• Assess and rate candidate compliance status accurately.
• Ensure all files remain ready for audit at any time.
• Track outstanding compliance items and follow up proactively with candidates and referees.
• Spot safeguarding or compliance concerns early and escalate them appropriately.
• Contribute to improving compliance workflows and controls.
• Maintain consistent compliance standards across all candidate records.

Audit and Regulatory Support

• Assist with both internal and external compliance audits.
• Respond to compliance queries from schools, auditors, and outside organisations.
• Prepare compliance reports and share regular progress updates with management.
• Keep up to date with REC and KCSIE guidance and apply it in daily work.
• Support the investigation and management of safeguarding concerns and LADO matters when required.
• Log compliance issues, recurring patterns, and corrective actions.

Business Support

• Offer compliance advice and guidance to consultants and managers.
• Help internal teams understand candidate suitability and compliance requirements.
• Reduce placement delays through proactive planning and follow-up.
• Support consultants in resolving compliance-related issues efficiently.
• Communicate risks, delays, and practical solutions clearly and professionally.

Performance Expectations

• Candidate compliance files should be completed within agreed service levels.
• A high percentage of working candidates should reach full compliance status.
• The active candidate pool should be effectively owned and managed.
• Audit readiness and file quality must be consistently maintained.
• Candidate records and compliance documents should remain accurate.
• Compliance problems should be identified and resolved before they escalate.
• DBS and safeguarding checks should be completed promptly.
• Placements should not be delayed by avoidable compliance gaps.

Required Background

Previous experience in compliance is expected, ideally within education recruitment, healthcare recruitment, or another heavily regulated environment. The role also requires a solid understanding of safeguarding processes, document verification, reference checks, and high-volume administrative work. Experience using a CRM or applicant tracking system is important, along with strong written and spoken English.

Knowledge of KCSIE guidance and REC compliance standards is required. Experience with DBS cases, LADO matters, and audit preparation is also part of the expected background.

Core Competencies

• Ownership and drive: Takes responsibility for compliance outcomes and resolves issues before they affect placements.
• Commercial judgement: Prioritises work based on risk and business impact while balancing safeguarding and deadlines.
• Operational excellence: Produces accurate, audit-ready work and continually improves processes.
• Elite service: Communicates clearly, builds professional relationships, and offers solutions proactively.

What Success Looks Like

• Candidate files remain consistently ready for audit.
• Risks are identified before they disrupt bookings.
• Consultants do not need to repeatedly chase for updates.
• Placements are not held up by avoidable compliance issues.
• Safeguarding standards stay consistently high.
• Compliance reporting is accurate, timely, and useful.