Overview
RPI supports agreed University, Faculty and School priorities for research and innovation: income generation, research excellence, PGR experience, partnership development and knowledge exchange leading to income and/or impact and commercialisation of IP and student enterprise. Our focus is on delivering professional, value-add advice and support to our community of researchers and innovators. We are a well-connected team which understands the priorities of the organisation and our external stakeholders and customers and the external environment in which we operate. Team members collaborate, reflect, develop their skills and have a risk-appropriate mindset of continuous improvement to our processes, policy and approach.
Our researchers operate in a complex global environment undertaking innovative, collaborative research and knowledge exchange projects. The Research Assurance Team assesses risks and provides practical advice and risk assessment necessary to ensure this work is compliant with external legislation and frameworks and with internal policies.
This is a busy role requiring curiosity, tenacity, and the ability to communicate complex information in a straightforward, pragmatic way. You will manage a varied workload of enquiries and projects, ensuring all sensitive data is handled with the utmost confidentiality.
While previous experience of an assurance role would be valuable, we are committed to your development. We provide comprehensive training and support to help you translate your existing analytical and organisational skills into this specialist field. In turn, you will demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in all you do.
The primary focus of this role is to:
Work collaboratively and supportively in a small team to undertake assurance checks on external partners and funders.
Produce written summaries of the checks, highlighting risks and making appropriate recommendations for next steps in accordance with an agreed framework.
Main duties and responsibilities
Conduct proportionate due diligence on research partners under line manager guidance, specifically focusing on lower-risk profiles to support the University’s Trusted Research agenda.
Identify potential risks (including ethical, legal, financial, export, and national security considerations) using tools and databases (e.g., Sanctions lists, Global Corruption Index, or news searches).
Produce succinct, high-quality reports for senior colleagues within Research, Partnerships and Innovation, providing the necessary evidence base for informed decision-making and risk mitigation.
Maintain accurate and auditable records of all due diligence checks, export control notes and administrative processes to ensure data integrity and institutional compliance.
Translate policies into clear, pragmatic advice for a range of academic and professional services audiences.
Collaborate effectively with internal teams (such as Finance, Legal, and Faculty offices) to ensure a joined-up approach to compliant research activity.
Handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion, strictly adhering to legal standards, GDPR, and institutional best practices.
Document processes and procedures for training and audit purposes, to ensure they remain efficient and responsive to the evolving research environment.
Stay informed of national developments in research security and the Trusted Research agenda, engaging with relevant professional bodies (such as ARMA or HERSA) to maintain up-to-date expertise.
Actively promote and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work, fostering an enabling and respectful culture
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
5 GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths and English (or equivalent experience)
Evidence of professional, effective and appropriate communication skills, both written and verbal, working with internal and external stakeholders
Selection activity / Interview
Evidence that you can gather and synthesise information from diverse sources (web, databases, reports) to identify key facts or risks, producing clear and accurate written summaries which act as a basis for decision making
Application / selection activity
Ability to explain technical policies or compliance requirements to a range of audiences in a straightforward, pragmatic way.
Meticulous approach to data entry, record-keeping, and the verification of complex information.
Application / selection activity
Excellent organisational skills with experience of working in a role which requires continual re- prioritisation of tasks and flexibility of approach
Selection activity / Interview
Evidence that you are a proactive, collaborative and supportive team member, able to work independently within an agreed framework and understand when to escalate queries
Strong interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships with both academic and professional services colleagues.
Evidence of using initiative to suggest ways to make processes more efficient or user-friendly.
Experience handling highly sensitive or confidential data with total discretion and in line with GDPR standards.
Previous experience of working with export control or other aspects of ‘Trusted Research’
Previous experience or supporting research in any work context
Further Information
£27,319 - £31,236 dependent on experience
For informal enquiries about this job contact Sarah Stephenson, Due Diligence Officer: on
[email protected] Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place during mid August. This will consist of an interview and selection activity. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 3rd August. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Sophie Fletcher on
[email protected]Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
support for those going through the menopause
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
This role requires the postholder to undertake a Government baseline personnel security standard (BPSS) check as a condition of employment.
