JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: / Head of International Compliance and Advice / Grade: / SG9
Department: / Directorate of Student Affairs / Date of Job Evaluation: / April 15
Role reports to: /

Deputy Director of Student Affairs, Student Services

Direct Reports / International Compliance and Advice Manager
International Advisers
This role profile is non-contractual and provided for guidance. It will be updated and amended from time to time in accordance with the changing needs of the University and the requirements of the job.
PURPOSE OF ROLE:
  • To ensure the University is compliant with Home Office immigration policy with regard to Tier 4 regulations thus ensuring the university can continue to recruit international students.
  • To put in place policies, procedures and checks, that enable the university to maintain compliance in all aspects of Tier 4
  • To managethe International Compliance and Advice Service to ensure that current and prospective students are provided with the appropriate advice and guidance relating to student immigration matters, and Tier 4 compliance.
  • To manage the Tier 4 Compliance Officer and supervise the reporting requirements to the Home Office on the many complex issues with regard to students.
  • To manage the CAS Team in the issuance of CASs, to applicants and continuing students, and ensure procedures are in place to reduce risk to the university.
  • To functionally manage the work of the Student Information and Advice Officers in the area of international students.
  • To provide the University Secretary, university staff, faculties and directorates with both written and verbal guidance on Tier 4 regulations and changes plus how this impacts on recruitment, programme developments and partnerships.The Head of International Compliance & Advice is a senior role holder within the Student Affairs management structure and will be expected to contribute to implementing developments within the directorate, some of which may arise from Student Affairs planning exercises or from the University of Greenwich Strategic Plan.
  • The Head of International Compliance and Advice may, from time to time and as appropriate, deputise for the Deputy Director of Student Affairs, Student Services.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Specific:
  • To develop, implement, review and enhance the university’s policies, procedures and practices to ensure that the university is compliant in all aspects of Tier4 immigration policy.
  • To implement checks (audit) on aspects of Tier 4 compliance across the university.
  • To monitor changes in immigration regulations and guide key stakeholders on the impact on the University, culminating where necessary, in the integration into University policies and procedures.
  • To work across the university to ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities in respect of international students and to devise and deliver training to meet those needs.
  • To be responsible for ensuring that the university is adequately prepared for an institutional audit by the Home Office and manage any associated activities.
  • To be the first point of contact in any dealings with the Home Office and oversee student reporting on the Home Office Sponsor Management System (SMS).
  • To manage a team of international advisers and compliance staff to ensure a balance in the guidance and advice given to international students to ensure Tier 4 compliance.
  • To ensure that the CAS Team operate to UKVI and university policies and guidelines, on issuing CASs to applicants and current students.
  • To provide support for students on aspects of living and studying in the UK through the team of advisers.
  • To coordinate the planning and delivery of international student orientation events, as required by the university
  • To coordinate the university’s renewal application for the Tier 4 sponsor licence.
  • To work closely with the International Office to ensure compatibility of associated procedures and a shared understanding of Tier 4 Regulations.
  • To actively participate in the UKVI Operations Group and all meetings relating to Tier 4 and compliance.
  • To liaise with external agencies and organisations, as appropriate, on the university’s behalf
  • To foster relationships and contact networks amongst peers across the sector and other professional bodies.
  • To put in place procedures for advising students on their visa requirements to safeguard against students breaching their visa conditions thus enabling them to successfully complete their studies.
  • To be aware of other immigration regulations that can impact on the sponsor licence and implement procedures to deal with this.
  • As a senior staff member within Student Affairs, the post-holder will contribute to the development of student services across the department and in particular to the university’s UKVI and student experience initiatives.
Managing Self:
  • Ability to use own initiative and work without direction
  • Ability to work accurately and focussed under pressure.
  • Customer focussed approach with a commitment to enhancing the student experience.
  • To successfully lead and motivate a team of staff in this complex area.
Core Requirements:
  • Adhere to and promote the University’s Equality and Diversity policies
  • Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations
  • Support and promote theUniversity’sSustainabilitypolicies, including the Carbon Management
  • Plan, and carry out duties in a resource efficient way, recognisingthe shared responsibility of minimising the university's negative environmental impacts wherever possible
Additional Requirements:
  • A willingness to represent the department as a Green/Sustainability Champion
  • A willingness to undertake a health & safety role
  • Any other duties as appropriate to the post and grade
  • A willingness to travel to any of the university’s sites as necessary

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
  • To produce high quality work delivered to the agreed timescales; reporting on the UKBA SMS
  • Retention of sponsor licence status
  • Students data is recorded appropriately
  • Reporting requirements to the Home Office is carried out as required

KEY RELATIONSHIPS (Internal & External):
  • University Secretary
  • Colleagues in the Directorate of Student Affairs
  • Faculty Academic and Administrative staff
  • APC & AQSC
  • International Office
  • Senior Management (VCG)
  • Students
  • Home Office Departments
  • Professional Bodies/Groups (Home Office PCST, UKCISA, ARC/UKVI Group, AISA Heads of International Services, Immigration Compliance Network, London Higher Network)

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Experience:
  • An extensive knowledge of Tier 4 legislation, policies and procedures.
  • A detailed knowledge of other areas of immigration regulations
  • A clear understanding of the mandatory requirements for Tier 4 Sponsor Licence Status.
  • 4 years experience in managing a team of staff in the delivery of Tier 4 compliance & advice
  • An understanding of how the regulations impact on students.
  • Extensive experience of working in the Higher Education sector.
Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a customer focused approach.
  • Highly developed analytical skills; the ability to interpret regulatory frameworks and a detailed understanding of their implication and impact.
  • Excellent written and communication skills; able to assimilate complex and specialised information and convey in an appropriate style.
  • Excellent oral communication skills.
  • Able to work both individually and as part of a team.
  • Able to prioritise, organise and deliver within a complex and changing workload and under pressure.
  • Able to deliver presentations and data to senior staff in the university on the impact of government immigration regulations.
Qualifications:
  • Educated to Degree level or with relevant demonstrable work experience
/ Desirable
Experience:
Working in admissions or international recruitment in the HE sector.
Skills:
Qualifications:
  • Membership of a relevant professional body

Signature(s)

Date of issue……………….….