We are looking for a Reporting and Compliance Lead to take on a vital role in the impactful delivery of the Connect to Work programme. Connect to Work is a national, government-funded initiative, aimed at empowering individuals facing barriers to finding employment. Your leadership, dedication, and expertise in managing quality assurance and reporting will bring to life the values and mission of Connect to Work, ensuring successful delivery of the programme., Regular attendance at your base location will also be necessary, and there will be opportunities for remote work. Final arrangements will be confirmed with the successful candidate. You will need to be able to travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes available. Internal candidates wishing to apply for this role will be considered for a secondment position. Please can you therefore discuss and agree this with your manager before applying for this position. About the Job As a Reporting and Compliance Lead, you will serve as the primary compliance officer for the programme and oversee quality assurance processes in collaboration with internal teams and external delivery partners. Working on the delivery of the Connect to Work programme promises to offer a unique experience each day, filled with unexpected challenges and rewards! There are several key responsibilities that will be integral to this role, including:

• Collaborating with colleagues in the Finance Department, oversee the preparation and validation of financial returns to the government, ensuring their accuracy and compliance.
• Developing systems and reporting protocols to promote best practice standards and providing expert guidance to delivery teams.
• Collaborating with DWP, local authority partners, and commissioned delivery organizations to provide regular financial and performance reports and identifying opportunities for improvements and necessary adjustments.
• Working to ensure a high standard of Supported Employment practice, ensuring that the West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Connect to Work programme is fidelity assured to established national standards, and contributing to a culture of ongoing improvement.
• Monitoring and supporting the progress of action plans and recommendations resulting from quality assurance processes and reviews, while appropriately challenging existing practices and contributing ideas and solutions.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and feel a genuine passion for being part of a close-knit team, committed to supporting colleagues and making a real difference in the lives of West Sussex residents, we want to hear from you!

Do you have experience in a role where you have overseen quality assurance, compliance, and reporting, while applying creativity and practicality to deliver an effective programme? Do you strongly believe in the potential of employment to positively influence residents' life opportunities and outcomes? Do you have strong communication skills, able to foster partnership working?,
• Degree or an equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline, or demonstrable knowledge and experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience in budget management, including a track record in a similar role handling budgets exceeding £2m annually.
• Proven experience in a compliance or reporting role within a public sector, local government, or a similarly regulated environment, including confidently managing external quality audits.
• Experience of leading a team, including direct line management.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel and business intelligence software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex information in presentations and reports.
• Strong stakeholder engagement abilities, with proven success in building relationships, influencing, and collaborating with internal and external partners across the delivery region, including externally commissioned entities.
  
  We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.
A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 30 days annual leave, plus the opportunity to buy additional leave and an excellent local government pension scheme A range of discounts give our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform.