Statutory Data Returns Officer

Role: Statutory Data Returns Officer Location: Hybrid Salary: Upto 40k Who You Are You are an analytical data professional experienced in statutory returns, data quality and complex datasets, with strong collaboration and communication skills. About Us Regent College London is a leading independent higher education provider, offering flexible and inclusive learning across multiple London campuses. We are student-focused, digitally forward, and committed to academic excellence. The Role Support the accurate preparation, validation and submission of statutory student data returns, ensuring data quality, compliance and effective reporting. Key Responsibilities Prepare, collate, and analyse student data for HESA returns. Ensure timely and accurate submission of HESA DATA RETURNS. Monitor changes in HESA requirement and update processes accordingly. Scrutinise and validate students record data for completeness and accuracy. Conduct regular data quality checks and resolve any discrepancies. Implement data validation processes to ensure compliance with HESA standards. Work closely with academic department, registry team and system teams to ensure accurate data collection and reporting. Provide guidance and support to colleagues on HESA data requirements and processes. Communicate changes in HESA requirement to relevant stakeholders. Generate reports and analyses for senior management on HESA data submission. Identify and explain data variances and their potential impact on the institution. Prepare ad-hoc reports as required to support data-driven decision-marking. Review and improve data collection and reporting processes. Say abreast of developments in HESA data requirement and best practices. Support the preparation, validation, and submission of statutory data returns, including HESA, OfS, Data Futures, Higher Education Students Early Statistics Survey, Provider Profile, Discover Uni, NSS, and Graduate Outcomes. Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data by implementing robust data quality checks and validation processes. Collaborating with internal departments to gather and compile necessary data. Staying updated on changes in statutory data reporting requirements to ensure institutional compliance. Interpreting and implementing data reporting guidelines from regulatory bodies. Advising management on compliance issues and potential impacts of regulatory changes. Analysing data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement. Developing and maintaining documentation of data processes, methodologies, and definitions. Conducting regular audits to ensure data integrity and compliance with reporting standards. Liaising with external bodies, including regulatory agencies and auditors. Collaborating with academic and administrative staff to enhance data collection processes. Providing training and support to staff involved in data collection and reporting. Identifying and implementing enhancements to data collection and reporting systems. Working with IT and other departments to optimize data management systems and tools. Preparing reports and presentations for management on the status and outcomes of data return submissions. Contributing to a collaborative work environment by supporting decision-making on BI and data warehouse solutions. Essential: Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. Proven experience with large and complex data sets. Experience managing statutory returns processes in higher education or public sector. Strong understanding of data quality assurance and data protection legislation. Ability to interpret and distil complex technical information for non-technical audiences. Highly analytical with the ability to process large volumes of data. Innovative and creative in problem-solving. Proficiency in using data tools and technology for data manipulation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and data visualization tools. Experience using relational database systems. Understanding of the requirements of data protection legislation and confidentiality policies. Ability to understand and interpret complex information and requirements. Ability to assess the purpose of required outputs, identify relevant data sources, and verify their validity. Ability to join, conform, manipulate, and scrutinize large and disparate data sets. Project management skills for key analyses to drive time-dependent regulatory work. Desirable: Master’s degree in a relevant field. Experience with specific higher education data systems (e.g., HESA, HESES). Knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector and national policy environment. Experience with advanced data manipulation and visualization tools (e.g. Power BI). Familiarity with data governance frameworks and best practices. Knowledge of cloud-based data storage and management solutions (e.g. Microsoft 365). Experience with data integration tools and techniques. Proficiency in SQL for complex queries and database management. Understanding of machine learning and statistical analysis techniques. Master’s degree in a relevant field. What We Offer (some benefits subject to completion of successful probation) Health Benefits Life Assurance Plans Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Pension, Cars, Cycle to Work) Annual Leave & Holiday Benefits (Buy Holiday, Additional Christmas Leave & Carry Over Leave) Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) & 24/7 Access to GPs Employee Discounts (Gym, Shopping, Cinema) Working Hours & Flexibility 40 hours per week Flexible hybrid schedule: 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. Compliance Statement Successful applicants will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including a criminal records check, two references, ID and Right to Work verification, and education confirmation. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion, selection for employment is based solely on an individual’s skills, qualifications, and experience relevant to the role.