We are seeking an experienced Head of Risk and Audit to develop and embed an organisation‑wide risk management and internal audit framework, providing independent assurance to the Board, strengthening governance, resilience, and organisational performance.
This is a high‑impact role for a senior professional who can confidently shape a strong risk culture and deliver high‑quality internal audit and assurance in a regulated environment.
About The Role
This is a newly created role that will play a pivotal part in strengthening and embedding the organisation’s approach to risk, assurance and governance. As Head of Risk & Audit, you will design, implement and maintain a robust, organisation‑wide risk management and internal audit frameworks, ensuring that internal controls, assurance arrangements and the Three Lines of Defence model are clear, effective and transparent. Providing independent, high‑quality assurance to the Board of Trustees and Committees, you will help ensure that risks are clearly understood, controls are operating effectively, organisational resilience is maintained, and management system standards are consistently met. Working collaboratively with colleagues responsible for compliance, you will ensure that risk and audit insights actively enhance regulatory compliance, decision‑making and overall organisational performance.
About You: You will bring significant senior‑level experience in risk, audit or assurance, with the credibility to influence and challenge at Board level.Essential Experience & Skills
- Professional qualifications and ongoing CPD in risk, audit or assurance
- Senior experience leading risk and/or internal audit in a regulated environment
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (including Ofqual regulatory expectations)
- Proven experience designing and delivering risk‑based internal audit programmes
- Expert risk register management and mitigation planning
- Experience reporting to Boards, Committees or regulators
- Confident leadership and people management experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- High digital literacy, including Microsoft Office and risk or assurance tools
Desirable Experience & Knowledge
- Experience within an Awarding Organisation or EPAO
- Experience supporting or managing regulatory audits or inspections
- Knowledge of quality management systems (e.g. ISO 9001)
Guided by our values of Partnership, Integrity, Quality and Originality, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are respected and valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those who bring different perspectives, identities, life experiences or ways of thinking. As part of our commitment to building a more balanced and representative organisation, we particularly encourage applications from groups currently under‑represented within our workforce, including men, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and younger people.
What We Offer
We offer a great employment package that includes 30 days paid holiday (pro rata for part time staff) plus public holidays, a career average defined benefit pension scheme, a Health Cash Plan and an individual LinkedIn learning licence giving access to a variety of courses to support your Continued Professional Development (CPD).
You’ll be based at home and will therefore need a reliable, high speed internet connection and a quiet, suitably furnished, place to work.
Twice a year, we bring the whole Gateway Qualifications team together for in-person staff days; fun events focused on connection, collaboration, and celebrating our culture. We ask all staff to be willing and able to attend these valuable team-building experiences which currently take place in Essex.
Why Join Gateway Qualifications
We are proudly regulated by Ofqual and Qualifications Wales, and you’ll play a vital role in maintaining our reputation for high-quality, trusted qualifications. Our focus is on creating the highest levels of in-demand qualifications which are accessible to everyone enabling all learners to thrive. To do that, we want people working with us who represent and reflect the diversity of everyone in the UK. As an equal opportunity employer, we therefore encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion.
By joining Gateway Qualifications, you’ll become part of an award-winning team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of learners. Our commitment to excellence has been recognised across multiple categories at the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Awards.
We’re proud of the impact we make, and we’re excited to welcome others who share our passion for quality, integrity, and learner success.
If this sounds like the right role for you, take a look at the candidate pack for full details of the role, and you can submit your application via the apply button below. Please include your CV and a Covering Letter that tells us why you’re suited to the role.
Head of Risk and Audit Candidate Pack
The closing date for applications will be midday on Tuesday 26th May 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. We may also consider applications as they arrive and may start interviewing prior to the closing date.
All candidates shortlisted for interview will be required to complete an online digital literacy skills assessment and/or a role-related task as part of the selection process.
Interviews will be held online to ensure accessibility and flexibility for all candidates.
- First stage interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing Monday 1st June 2026.
- Second stage interviews are planned for the week commencing Monday 15th June 2026.