Compliance, Risk and Legal Officer

About this role

Job Description

Job Title: Compliance, Risk and Legal Officer

*Location:*South East London

Reports To: Associate Director of Housing

Job Purpose

The Compliance, Risk and Legal Officer is responsible for supporting Ash Shahada Housing Association in maintaining high standards of governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and legal compliance. The post holder will ensure that policies, procedures, and operational activities comply with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and best practice standards applicable to the social housing sector. The role provides assurance to the Board and Senior Leadership Team that effective controls are in place to manage organisational risks, legal obligations, and compliance responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

· Compliance Management - Monitor and maintain compliance with all relevant housing legislation, regulatory standards, and statutory obligations. Develop, review, and implement compliance frameworks, policies, and procedures. Conduct compliance audits and reviews across the organisation. Maintain compliance registers, action plans, and reporting systems. Ensure adherence to health and safety, data protection, consumer standards, safeguarding, and equality obligations. Coordinate responses to regulatory inspections and information requests.

· Risk Management - Manage and maintain the organisation's corporate risk management framework. Support managers in identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring risks. Maintain the corporate risk register and departmental risk registers. Conduct regular risk reviews and prepare reports for Executive Teams and the Board. Promote a positive risk management culture throughout the organisation. Monitor emerging risks affecting the housing sector.

· Legal Governance - Provide practical legal and regulatory advice across the organisation. Liaise with external solicitors and specialist legal advisers. Manage legal documentation, contracts, agreements, and statutory records. Support contract review processes and procurement compliance. Coordinate legal matters including disputes, litigation, data protection issues, and regulatory investigations. Ensure proper records are maintained for governance and legal purposes.

· Governance Support - Assist with Board and Committee governance requirements. Support the preparation of governance reports and regulatory returns. Ensure governance arrangements comply with regulatory expectations and legal requirements. Maintain registers of interests, declarations, and governance documentation. Monitor policy review schedules and governance action plans.

· Data Protection and Information Governance - Support compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation. Investigate and report data breaches where required. Deliver guidance and awareness training to staff. Maintain data protection policies and records of processing activities.

· Training and Awareness - Deliver compliance, risk, governance, and legal awareness training. Provide advice and support to managers and employees on compliance matters. Promote a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· Regulatory compliance standards maintained.

· Completion of compliance audits and actions within agreed timescales.

· Corporate risk register maintained and reviewed regularly.

· Legal matters managed within required deadlines.

· Governance reports submitted accurately and on time.

· Reduction in compliance breaches and audit findings.

· Positive regulatory and internal audit outcomes.

Person Specification

· Degree-level education or equivalent experience.

· Professional qualification or working towards qualification in Compliance, Risk Management, Governance, Law, Audit, or a related discipline.

· Evidence of continuing professional development.

Essential Experience

· Experience in compliance, governance, risk, legal, or regulatory roles.

· Experience working within social housing, public sector, regulated environments, or similar sectors.

· Experience of developing and monitoring policies and procedures.

· Experience of conducting audits, investigations, and compliance reviews.

· Experience preparing reports for senior management or boards.

Essential Knowledge

· Knowledge of social housing regulation and governance requirements.

· Understanding of risk management frameworks.

· Knowledge of data protection legislation and information governance.

· Understanding of contract management and legal compliance.

· Knowledge of health and safety and safeguarding obligations.

Essential Skills

· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Strong report writing and presentation skills.

· Ability to interpret legislation and regulatory requirements.

· Excellent organisational and project management skills.

· Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

· Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

· High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Desirable

· Membership of a relevant professional body (IRM, ICA, CGIUKI, CIPFA, CILEx, or similar).

· Experience working for a Housing Association or Registered Provider.

· Internal audit or governance experience.

· Knowledge of ESG and sustainability reporting requirements.

Core Competencies

· Integrity and professionalism

· Risk awareness and judgement

· Attention to detail

· Decision making

· Accountability

· Collaboration and teamwork

· Commitment to continuous improvement

· Effective oral and written communication skills.

Equal Opportunities

Ash Shahada Housing Association is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Pay: £34,000.00-£36,500.00 per year

Work Location: In person

About compliance & regulatory roles for ex-police

Compliance, AML and regulatory roles. Working to PACE, RIPA and CPIA is a stronger regulatory grounding than most civilian applicants can offer — firms increasingly recognise this.