Data & Compliance Lead

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking a methodical and confident Data & Compliance Lead to take on a new, service-wide role within our Adult Learning, Skills and Employment service, making sure the evidence and data behind our learning and employment programmes are accurate, compliant and ready for funders.

Our service delivers community education and employment support through a range of funded contracts, from accredited adult learning to targeted employment programmes, each with its own eligibility rules, evidence requirements and reporting deadlines. Reporting directly to the Head of Service, you will lead on compliance procedures, data quality, Individualised Learner Record (ILR) returns, evidence validation and internal audit across both Adult Learning and Employment.

This role suits someone who enjoys bringing order and clarity to complex funding rules, and who can work constructively with tutors, advisors and managers to strengthen how evidence is gathered and recorded, so that our teams can focus on delivering excellent support for learners and participants.

About the role

As Data & Compliance Lead, you will:

• Develop and maintain clear compliance procedures and evidence guidance across our learning and employment contracts.
• Independently validate eligibility and outcome evidence before claims and funding returns are submitted.
• Lead on data quality across our Management Information System (MIS) and case management systems.
• Prepare and validate ILR returns and other adult learning funding submissions.
• Plan and carry out risk-based internal audits across both teams, tracking actions through to completion.
• Produce clear dashboards and performance reports for the Head of Service and managers.
• Prepare the service for external audits, monitoring visits and the mobilisation of new contracts.
• Lead exams and awarding body administration, from exam entries through to certificate claims and results.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Experience of data management, compliance monitoring or funding returns on publicly funded education, skills or employment programmes.
• The ability to interpret funding rules and turn them into practical procedures for colleagues.
• Excellent attention to detail and confidence managing several fixed deadlines.
• Advanced Excel skills and confident use of databases, MIS or case management systems.
• The confidence to raise issues constructively and work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to shape a new role from the start and to build the systems that underpin a growing, values-led service. You will have real influence over how High Trees manages data and compliance, working alongside committed colleagues whose work makes a practical difference to people and communities in Lambeth.