Governance Advisor EMEA

WSETs purpose is to empower people through inspiring learning experiences all over the world. We offer a comprehensive suite of globally recognised qualifications covering wines spirits and sake.

We are the worlds leading provider of qualifications in wines spirits beer and sake delivering over 140000 exams each year to candidates in over 70 countries via our network of Approved Programme Providers (APPs).

WSET is a global organisation and we areproud to have people who work for us allover the world. We have people in Australia Canada China Hong Kong Singapore and the USA as well as the UK.

The successful applicant will contribute to a culture of integrity empowerment dynamism and inclusivity within WSET.

Any offer of employment or your ongoing employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a thorough background check by an independent third party. NB If you currently work for one of WSETs APPs (Approved Programme Provider) you may not be eligible to apply for this role subject to your future career plans and the nature of that role. If you work for an APP either in a selfemployed or employed capacity and would like to discuss your eligibility please contact the hiring manager.

The Governance Advisor (CA) function is within WSETs Governance team. The Governance Team with offices in Hong Kong Shanghai Hartford and London reports to the CFO.

The Governance Advisor (EMEA) will support the Governance team in all quality management and compliance activity with a particular focus on the EMEA region. You will administer WSETs quality and compliance processes as well as supporting Approved Programme Provider (APP) registration monitoring and renewal to ensure best practice and customer service. Please note this role is hybrid/remote with up to30% travel.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

With reference to WSETs Quality and Compliance Strategy the Governance Advisor will carry out the following functions:

APP (Centre) Visits
Carry out APP visits remotely and in person for the purposes of APP onboarding approval reapproval audit and to address specific noncompliance issues.
Liaise with WSET Business Development teams to organise visits and ensure followuprequirements are actioned.
Manage completion and storage of all APP visit documentation.
Support the Governance team with development of APP visit documentation and operating procedures.

Quality Assurance
Monitor and report APP and student compliance in line with policy and procedures investigating noncompliance incidents and recommending/implementing corrective/preventative action and sanctions.
Maintain compliance records including the Continual Improvement Plan that will be used: Operationally to manage ongoing Governance issues &Strategically to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
Develop and administer procedures for monitoring quality standards at APPs.
Work with internal and external stakeholders on quality assurance risk regulatory and compliance issues.
Support Governance Management to maintain WSETs internal quality management system and regulatory compliance.Monitor Ofqual policy updates and support in the internal implementation of any related regulatory action.
Support in monitoring and recording conflicts of interests both internally and across the global APP network.

Projects
Plan and execute specific projects required to support the Governance team and the wider organisation in meeting objectives.
Represent Governance on Project Boards and Working Groups.

APP Registrations Renewals and Administration
Support the WSET APP registration approval and renewals process.
Support the Customer Support team as required to review and process applications for APP registration and reapproval in accordance with agreed targets liaising with WSET Business Development teams as necessary.
Handle relevant correspondence with/relating to APPs.
Update and maintain APP documentation which is fit for purpose and accurately reflects approved procedures and other WSET policies.
Maintain Governance information and resources for APPs on the WSET online platforms.
Maintain and update APP records and produce management information reports.

Other activities
Contribute to the successful operation of the department overall and support other members of the department.
Contribute to the successful overall operation of WSET by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be requested.

Requirements
Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Prior experience in quality assurance education risk compliance or project management settings will distinguish an applicant for this position. Experience or education in internal audit accounting or finance would also be beneficial as would experience working as an agent or employee of an APP.
Fluency in English required proficiency in other languages highly desirable.
Possess a valid passport for international travel.
Experience with Microsoft CRM Dynamics preferred strong Microsoft Office 365 skills.
Flexibility in occasionally working outside normal working hours for travel events or global collaboration.

Personal Attributes
An excellent team worker who takes initiative can be relied upon and is keen to make a difference.
Client focused with firstrate communication skills. Sensitivity to cultural differences when communicating with international APPs and candidates is essential.
Accountable and organised: proactively takes ownership of a project or issue. Meticulous attention to detail.
Sound planner who anticipates issues prioritises and can work to deadlines maintaining resilience and a positive approach under pressure.
Calm responsive and creative approach to problemsolving
Uncompromised integrity: demonstrates high levels of personal and organisational integrity and values in all activities.
Adaptability The WSET is undergoing a period of unprecedented growth and change flexibility and agility are key to success in this role.

Definitions:

Fully remote Can be performed entirely remotely from any location.

Hybrid remote Performed as a mixture of inoffice and remotework.

Temporarily remote Performed in a single location such as an office or at a job site but which is temporarily remote during special circumstances).

UK Benefits

Annual Leave 27 days pa public holidays increases with service; ability to buy/sell 5 days

Pension (Generous options availableafter three months)

Health insurance (after three months):

Vitality scheme post probation Access to virtual GP appointments Rewards include Caffe Nero drinks Cinema Tickets Apple Watch Cash Back on Waitrose shopping 75% off at Champneys 6 month subscription with HeadSpace Discounted Weight Watchers membership and gyms Smoking Cessation day worth 300 and half price health screens

Eye voucher scheme

Food and drink in the office

Nespresso coffee makers and a range of other drinks fruit cereals soups

Season ticket & gym membership loan scheme

Group income protection scheme

EAP

24/7 confidential help and support from trained counsellors and advisors

Death in service

4x annual salary paid to nominees with associated bereavement support for family

Enhanced family friendly leave and pay

Celebration vouchers

Cycle2Work scheme

Discretionary bonus

Development WSETs inhouse training and qualifications in Wines Spirits Sake and Beer as well as other professional development opportunities