E+ Compliance Manager

About this role

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council has been nominated to take on the role of national agency for Erasmus+.

In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.

Role Summary

Purpose of the Role

The Compliance Manager supports the effective delivery of Erasmus+ by ensuring that grant-making and programme operations comply with contractual, regulatory and organisational requirements. Working within the Compliance team, you will help protect programme integrity through compliance monitoring, due diligence, assurance reviews and risk-based oversight across the grant lifecycle.

Reporting to the Senior Compliance Manager, you will identify compliance risks, provide practical guidance to programme teams and grantees, support investigations into potential non-compliance and contribute to strong governance and continuous improvement across the programme.

Main Accountabilities

• Deliver day-to-day compliance monitoring across the grant lifecycle.
• Conduct routine and risk-based compliance checks on applications, awards, delivery activity and financial claims.
• Undertake due diligence checks on grant applicants and beneficiaries.
• Support delivery of compliance assurance plans, reviews and partner assessments.
• Gather, verify and analyse evidence to assess compliance with programme requirements.
• Provide practical advice and guidance to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Identify, escalate and support investigation of compliance issues and potential fraud indicators.
• Support audit activity and maintain accurate, auditable compliance records.
• Produce compliance reports, management information and risk analysis.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of compliance frameworks, controls and governance processes.
• Deliver compliance guidance, briefings and training activities.

Role Specific Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience conducting compliance monitoring, due diligence or assurance activities.
• Experience applying policies, procedures and regulatory requirements consistently.
• Experience identifying risks, irregularities or potential fraud indicators.
• Experience investigating issues, gathering evidence and documenting findings.
• Experience contributing to audits, reviews or assurance activities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to analyse information, identify trends and make sound recommendations.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders in a complex environment.

Desirable

• Experience working within government-funded, grant-funded or regulated programmes.
• Experience developing compliance policies, controls or governance frameworks.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Experience working within matrixed organisations and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.

Specific Requirements

• Degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional compliance, audit or risk qualification (or working towards one) desirable.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English.
• Ability to work effectively within a hybrid environment.