Group Head of Compliance
40 hours per week
Salary £85,000 - £93,000 per annum + Benefits
Distinct Cremations, Cannock, Staffordshire
Hybrid work available, with 2-3 days based in the office per week
Permanent role
Are you a seasoned compliance leader with a passion for doing things the right way?
If you're looking to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking, values-led organisation, this could be your next big move.
Since 2021 we have been busy growing our first-class direct cremation service which offers individuals and families all over the country a simple alternative to a traditional funeral service. We received a Gold Trusted Feefo award for our service in 2024 and our Direct Cremation plans are rated 5 star by Fairer Finance.
Like many of our colleagues, you might not have considered this industry before, however with industry training provided and on-going career development, you will find this one of the most varied and rewarding opportunities you could ever imagine.
The role
We believe in an honest and transparent service, and relationships built on trust.
You’ll be leading the Compliance Function with 1 x Direct report – a Compliance Manager.
Requirements:
- Manages at both a strategic and operational level compliance with the Financial Conduct Authorities (FCA) rules and guidance.
- Provides support across the Group in relation to compliance with Data Protection and Financial Crime legislation.
- Manages all relationships, communications and information requests with regulated authorities including the FCA, ICO and FOS.
- Reports regularly to the Executive and the Board on regulatory compliance matters and conduct risk.
- Ensures the business is kept abreast of regulatory change.
- Delivers a risk based monitoring programme that assesses the adequacy of controls in the first line and recommends actions to address concerns where identified.
Regulated Responsibilities:
- SMF 16 Compliance Oversight – Distinct Funeral Plans Limited.
- DPO for Group entities.
This rewarding opportunity involves:
- Supporting the Board in the achievement of a robust, strong and positive compliance culture.
- Lead Compliance ensuring it is adequately resourced and appropriately skilled, motivated and organised.
- Maintain a robust, risk-based compliance monitoring programme supported by a comprehensive regulatory risk universe.
- Represent Compliance at Management Group Meetings and prepare informative, effective and professional reports for the Board.
- Proactively identify and interpret new and emerging regulatory changes, with the aim of assessing the practical implications on the Group and communicate details to relevant stakeholders on a timely basis.
- Provide practical support, guidance and advice to the business to help manage regulatory risks for example in relation to, financial promotions and their approval, product development, product reviews, sales and distribution, training and competence and incentive schemes.
- Provide training materials and tools to ensure Senior Managers and Approved Persons are appropriately aware of, trained and understand their responsibilities, and all other applicable aspects of the SM&CR.
- Preparing and submitting FCA returns on an annual, quarterly, half yearly basis. An understanding of FCA systems including Connect and RegData.
- Work with colleagues in IT to ensure a robust Information Security framework is in place.
- Oversee regulatory breaches to ensure that root cause is identified, preventative measures are implemented, and appropriate remedial work is undertaken.
- Maintain processing activity records for all Group data controllers and processors.
- Coordinate FCA information requests, visits and Group entities regulatory permissions.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) on all data protection related matters across the Group.
- Act as DPO for the Group.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for managing, responding and recording all data subject access requests.
- Provide the FCA, ICO and the National Crime Agency with timely notifications where breaches are identified.
- Oversee data suppression notifications and related logs.
- Manage the Group Policy Framework.
- Financial promotions approval – digital, social media, direct mail experience.
- A good understanding of the Appointed Representative (AR) regime and the regulatory requirements incumbent of the Principal firm.
Additional duties:
- Trusts – Point of contact for all of the Trust Servants, Investment Managers, Trustees, Actuaries, Auditors and Trust Administrators.
- Co sec duties for both the DFPL and Trustee Board, preparing agendas, papers, minutes and action tracking.
About you
- An experienced Head of Compliance and risk / Senior Compliance Manager / Chief Compliance Officer / Regulatory Compliance Director and effective leader, strong facilitator and consensus builder.
- Experience of Funeral Plans or Insurance plans.
- Experience of liaising with the FCA and completing regulatory reporting.
- Experience of operating in a regulated environment where ethics, reputation and standards are high.
- In depth knowledge of the insurance financial services industry and issues for financial services firms in particular FPCOBS or ICOBS, DISP, SYSC, T&C, FIT, SUP, PROD and Consumer Duty.
- An understanding of FCA operating systems including Connect and RegData.
- Experience acting as Data Protection Officer (DPO).
- Experience of preparing reports at Board level.
- You’ll need to pass a DBS (criminal record) check to be considered for this role.
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- Desirable - Held previously or currently holds SMF16.
- Desirable - Have a good understanding of how Funeral Plan Trusts operate and how the individual trust servants play a part in protecting customers funds.
Competency
- Ability to support Senior Management and Executive discussions to promote effective decision-making and constructive debate.
- Ability to combine the interests of customers with the necessity to operate a commercially viable operation.
- Strong understanding of and belief in the business model and strategy including the culture that enables it to meet the needs of its customers.
- Experienced operating at a Senior level in Compliance.
- Good understanding of regulatory framework.
- A strong understanding of corporate governance.
What We Offer
If you would like to join the Distinct Cremations team, you can be sure of a warm welcome, ongoing development and a sense of pride by truly make a difference every day to ensure integrity for our customers.
In addition to salary, you will also be eligible for the following benefits:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Life Assurance
- A choice between 7% employer pension contribution or 5% contribution + private healthcare cover (Bupa)
- Ongoing learning & development
- Access to a wide range of retail discounts and wellbeing support
- Mindfulness App
- Mental Health Ambassadors
- The benefit we hope you’ll never need: Free Cremation benefit for Immediate family
- Bereavement Leave
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Employee Assistance / Occupational health support Program
- Recognition scheme: Above & Beyond vouchers
- Free Flu jab
- Free parking
What next? Start a career with significance by applying today.
We generally advertise vacancies for a minimum of 1 week before reviewing applications. We reserve the right to close the application window sooner if a significant number of applications are received. If you’re not contacted, please assume you have been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, feedback is not always possible due to the volume of applications we receive.