Compliance Manager

We are seeking an experienced Compliance Manager to lead and oversee all compliance activities across our recruitment business. The successful candidate will ensure that the company operates in accordance with relevant employment legislation, recruitment industry regulations, client contractual requirements, and internal policies.

This role is critical in maintaining high standards of governance, mitigating risk, and supporting the business in delivering compliant recruitment solutions to clients across multiple sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Management

Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and controls across the business.

Ensure adherence to all relevant employment and recruitment legislation, including:

Employment Agencies Act

Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations

Agency Workers Regulations (AWR)

Right to Work legislation

GDPR and Data Protection requirements

IR35 legislation (where applicable)

Modern Slavery Act

Monitor legislative changes and assess their impact on business operations.

Conduct regular compliance audits and reviews across all divisions.

Candidate Compliance

Oversee candidate onboarding processes ensuring all compliance documentation is obtained, verified, and maintained.

Manage Right to Work checks, identity verification, qualifications, certifications, and referencing processes.

Ensure candidate records remain accurate, complete, and audit-ready.

Implement processes to monitor expiring qualifications, visas, and certifications.

Client Compliance

Review and support contractual compliance requirements for new and existing clients.

Ensure recruitment processes align with client-specific policies and industry regulations.

Manage client audits and compliance reviews.

Act as the primary point of contact for compliance-related client enquiries.

Risk & Governance

Identify compliance risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Investigate compliance breaches, complaints, and incidents, implementing corrective actions where required.

Produce regular compliance reports and management information for senior leadership.

Maintain a compliance risk register and monitor key compliance metrics.

Training & Support

Deliver compliance training and guidance to recruitment consultants, managers, and support staff.

Promote a culture of compliance and continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

Provide ongoing advice and support regarding legislation, best practice, and company policies.

Systems & Process Improvement

Maintain compliance records within the CRM and associated systems.

Review and improve onboarding, audit, and compliance workflows.

Support automation and digital compliance initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce risk.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Proven experience in a compliance role within a recruitment, staffing, or workforce solutions business.

Strong knowledge of UK recruitment legislation and employment law.

Excellent understanding of Right to Work requirements, GDPR, and recruitment compliance standards.

Experience conducting internal audits and managing compliance frameworks.

Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Ability to interpret legislation and communicate requirements effectively.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and recruitment CRM systems.

Desirable

Experience within regulated sectors such as Nuclear, Engineering, Healthcare, Rail, Energy, or Construction.

Knowledge of umbrella company compliance, IR35, and contingent workforce management.

Compliance or governance qualifications.

Personal Attributes

Highly organised and methodical.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Proactive and commercially aware.

Able to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

Committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Compliance audit pass rates.

Right to Work and onboarding accuracy.

Reduction in compliance breaches and corrective actions.

Timely completion of candidate compliance checks.

Client audit performance.

Regulatory and legislative adherence.

Staff compliance training completion rates.