Governance Advisor (EMEA) - London
The Governance Advisor (CA) function is within WSET’s Governance team. The Governance Team with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hartford and London, reports to the CFO.
The Governance Advisor (EMEA) will support the Governance team in all quality management and compliance activity, with a particular focus on the EMEA region. You will administer WSET’s quality and compliance processes, as well as supporting Approved Programme Provider (APP) registration, monitoring and renewal, to ensure best practice and customer service. Please note this role is hybrid/remote with up to 30% travel.
Principal duties and responsibilities:
With reference to WSET’s Quality and Compliance Strategy, the Governance Advisor will carry out the following functions:
APP (Centre) Visits
•Carry out APP visits remotely and in person for the purposes of APP onboarding, approval, re-approval, audit and to address specific non-compliance issues.
•Liaise with WSET Business Development teams to organise visits and ensure follow-uprequirements are actioned.
•Manage completion and storage of all APP visit documentation.
•Support the Governance team with development of APP visit documentation and operating procedures.
Quality Assurance
•Monitor and report APP and student compliance in line with policy and procedures, investigating non-compliance incidents and recommending/implementing corrective/preventative action and sanctions.
•Maintain compliance records including the Continual Improvement Plan that will be used: Operationally to manage ongoing Governance issues & Strategically to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
•Develop and administer procedures for monitoring quality standards at APPs.
•Work with internal and external stakeholders on quality assurance, risk, regulatory and compliance issues.
•Support Governance Management to maintain WSET’s internal quality management system and regulatory compliance. Monitor Ofqual policy updates and support in the internal implementation of any related regulatory action.
•Support in monitoring and recording conflicts of interests both internally and across the global APP network.
Projects
•Plan and execute specific projects required to support the Governance team and the wider organisation in meeting objectives.
•Represent Governance on Project Boards and Working Groups.
APP Registrations, Renewals and Administration
•Support the WSET APP registration, approval, and renewals process.
•Support the Customer Support team as required to review and process applications for APP registration and re-approval in accordance with agreed targets, liaising with WSET Business Development teams as necessary.
•Handle relevant correspondence with/relating to APPs.
•Update and maintain APP documentation which is fit for purpose and accurately reflects approved procedures and other WSET policies.
•Maintain Governance information and resources for APPs on the WSET online platforms.
•Maintain and update APP records and produce management information reports.
Other activities
•Contribute to the successful operation of the department overall and support other members of the department.
•Contribute to the successful overall operation of WSET by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be requested.
Requirements
•Educated to degree level or equivalent.
•Prior experience in quality assurance, education, risk, compliance, or project management settings will distinguish an applicant for this position. Experience or education in internal audit, accounting or finance would also be beneficial, as would experience working as an agent or employee of an APP.
•Fluency in English required, proficiency in other languages highly desirable.
•Possess a valid passport for international travel.
•Experience with Microsoft CRM Dynamics preferred, strong Microsoft Office 365 skills.
•Flexibility in occasionally working outside normal working hours for travel, events or global collaboration.
Personal Attributes
• An excellent team worker who takes initiative, can be relied upon, and is keen to make a difference.
• Client focused, with first-rate communication skills. Sensitivity to cultural differences when communicating with international APPs and candidates is essential.
• Accountable and organised: proactively takes ownership of a project or issue. Meticulous attention to detail.
• Sound planner who anticipates issues, prioritises, and can work to deadlines, maintaining resilience and a positive approach under pressure.
• Calm, responsive, and creative approach to problem-solving
• Uncompromised integrity: demonstrates high levels of personal and organisational integrity and values in all activities.
• Adaptability The WSET is undergoing a period of unprecedented growth and change, flexibility and agility are key to success in this role.
UK Benefits
Annual Leave – 27 days pa + public holidays, increases with service; ability to buy/sell 5 days
Pension (Generous options available after three months)
Health insurance (after three months):
Vitality scheme – post probation – Access to virtual GP appointments, Rewards include Caffe Nero drinks, Cinema Tickets, Apple Watch, Cash Back on Waitrose shopping, 75% off at Champneys, 6 month subscription with HeadSpace, Discounted Weight Watchers membership and gyms, Smoking Cessation day worth £300 and half price health screens
Eye voucher scheme
Food and drink in the office
Nespresso coffee makers and a range of other drinks, fruit, cereals, soups
Season ticket & gym membership loan scheme
Group income protection scheme
EAP
24/7 confidential help and support from trained counsellors and advisors
Death in service
4x annual salary paid to nominees with associated bereavement support for family
Enhanced family friendly leave and pay
Celebration vouchers
Cycle2Work scheme
Discretionary bonus
Development – WSET’s in-house training and qualifications in Wines, Spirits, Sake and Beer as well as other professional development opportunities