The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a BIRI Compliance Manager to join our Funding Assurance Team in the Research Directorate, responsible for supporting The British International Research Institutes (BIRI) to develop and maintain their governance policies and procedures.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The British International Research Institutes (BIRI) are global research partners in the arts, humanities and social sciences – discovering new knowledge, promoting cultural heritage and supporting international engagement. They comprise nine independent charities of varying size and structure that are hubs in a network of regional contacts and activities that cover the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and southern Europe, Africa, Turkey, the Middle East, Iran and Central Asia. 

The BIRI are funded in part by the British Academy, and the BIRI Compliance Manager will be responsible for supporting the BIRI to develop and maintain their governance policies and procedures. The role holder will oversee all aspects of governance effectiveness and compliance within the smaller BIRI, ensure governance adheres to good practice and meets all statutory and regulatory requirements, and provide strategic advice to the BIRI leadership teams and where appropriate their Board of Trustees.

The ideal candidate will have had experience in a compliance or regulatory assurance environment, or will have had suitable experience overseeing policies, procedures, governance structures and frameworks. You will be able to communicate effectively with senior external stakeholders, have a strong eye for detail, and be confident working independently while demonstrating key skills of teamwork and collaboration. Previous experience working within the charity sector is essential.

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Governance Development and Continuous Improvement

• Work with BIRI Directors and Trustees to ensure support for governance is compliant, effective and contributes towards BIRI strategic priorities being met and the BIRI grant agreement terms and conditions

• Act as the lead adviser on issues relating to the governance of BIRI

• Develop and implement a BIRI strategy for effective governance support services

• Design and monitor governance support structures

• Assess capacity and develop structures in line with organisational size and location

• Ensuring effective communications are maintained with governing boards, governance professionals and key stakeholders with the BIRI and the British Academy

• Writing and presenting training and briefings

2. Compliance and Regulatory Assurance

As well as acting as the main point of contact for queries relating to governance within the BIRI, proactively update those governing by providing advice and guidance on:

• complex, technical issues that relate to governing structures, procedures and the legal framework that underpins them

• quality assuring governance advice given by others ensuring that it is informed by an intelligent assessment of risk

• risk informed assessments of options for support and interventions to strengthen governance

• high level issue resolution

• highlighting evidenced based best practice, policy and thought leadership in charity governance

3. Supporting Governance

• Ensuring governing structures are developed in parallel with organisational growth strategies

• Developing, reviewing and maintaining governance documents, such as articles of association, schemes of delegation, terms of reference, role descriptions and code of conduct

• Developing record management and communication methods that are fit for purpose and maintain confidentiality

• Overseeing a strategy and protocol for recruiting trustees that ensures the board and its committees are properly constituted, inclusive, diverse and meet the needs of the organisation

• Leading on the strategy and planning of governance induction and cpd

• Developing and overseeing systems for board self-evaluation and review, including commissioning of external reviews

4. Management

• Maintain appropriate records of BIRI board and committee membership, along with any terms of reference

• Maintain a BIRI policy register and advise on the policy review and approval cycle

• Ensure copies of statutory policies and other statutory documents are published as agreed and in line with statutory requirements

• Ensure that governance-specific risks are included in the BIRI risk registers

• Develop BIRI-specific documents such as a governance code of conduct and skills matrix

• Ensure appropriate application of policies, procedures, and relevant legislation/guidance across the trust

5. Maintaining relationships and communication

Develop and maintain productive working relationships while maintaining independence by:

• working collaboratively and holistically with stakeholders in and outside of the organisation so that governance supports and enables the operational delivery of strategic objectives

• ensuring the BIRI oversight and engagement committee members are notified of changes to BIRI membership and governance structures as appropriate

• being a role model for effective and ethical governance

 Key Stakeholders

Internal:

Vice President BIRI; Director of Research; Deputy Head of Research Funding; Oversight and Engagement Committee members; HR team; Governance team; Finance team

External:

BIRI Directors and Trustees; BIST

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree – desirable but not essential.

• Experience of working in a highly numerate environment is essential

• Experience of working within the charity sector is essential.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Commitment to working within a team, with an ability to work independently and show initiative and exercise sound judgment

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments

• A professional approach when dealing with a variety of people

• Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative and not waiting to be asked.

• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-way.

• Is sensitive to different working styles and views, adapting where appropriate. 

• Is willing and able to compromise and negotiate, including to resolve possible conflicts.

• Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect.

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Significant experience in a senior operations, governance or organisational leadership role, with the confidence to work directly with trustees, senior leaders and professional advisers.

• Experience and proactivity in managing or improving how an organisation works across several areas, such as governance, finance administration, people, risk, suppliers, IT or information management.

• Strong project management and the ability to turn complex or ambiguous work into clear priorities and practical next steps.

• Experience managing external stakeholders or operational relationships between organisations.

• Excellent judgement, written communication and attention to detail, including handling sensitive and confidential information.

• A track record of building trust, influencing without formal authority and challenging constructively when needed.

• Comfort with both strategic thinking and hands-on work in a small organisation.

• Understanding of charity law and governance

• Decision-making based on intelligent assessment of risk and benefits

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives

• Keeps relevant colleagues up to date with workload and tasks. Seeks input where needed.  

• Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills

• Can prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and manage conflicting priorities. 

• Takes ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate.

• Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

• Ability to plan and deliver role-specific tasks and be an effective team worker with strong interpersonal skills to deal with multiple tasks in parallel

• Displays resilience in coping with busy workload

• Takes ownership of tasks

• Responsive, flexible, and willing to work across a range of tasks within changing priorities.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Results-focused attitude

• Strong problem-solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure

• Is receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriate

• Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral

• Approaches tasks with a positive attitude and is not afraid to ask for help when needed  

• Anticipates conflict and thinks ahead to resolve quickly

• Takes a flexible approach to their work, happy to take on different responsibilities in the interests of the Academy.

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions 

• Is happy to support other team members during busy periods, whilst not compromising your own workload. 

• Treats other staff members and stake holders with respect and honesty. 

• Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral.

• Ability to work on own initiative, plus lead and direct colleagues without direct line management responsibility

• Positive attitude to challenges and co-operation with colleagues

• Maintains, demonstrates, and expects high levels of honesty and integrity

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Personal commitment to the values, vision, and objectives of the British Academy

• Evidenced commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity

• Takes a flexible approach to their work, happy to take on different responsibilities in the interests of the Academy

• Willing to travel on British Academy business

• Able to be flexible about working location and hours on occasion

WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview and may involve a task component.

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application questions.

Applications will be assessed in two stages. We will first review and shortlist candidates based on their CVs. Following this, the application questions of shortlisted candidates will be reviewed and scored to determine who progresses to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that we use AI screening software to identify responses that have been copied from AI sources and are not your own work.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 27 November 2026, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for w/c 14 December 2026 but this may be subject to change.