An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Investigations Officer to join a leading London-based university within its Governance, Legal Services and Compliance function. This role plays a key part in ensuring student complaints, appeals, disciplinary and Fitness to Practise matters are managed fairly, transparently and in accordance with university regulations.
You will act as a trusted adviser to stakeholders across the institution, leading complex investigations, providing expert guidance, and promoting best practice in investigation management. This is a highly visible role, contributing to procedural fairness, continuous improvement and the effective resolution of sensitive and complex casework.
Role Information:
- Job title: Investigations Officer
- Department: Governance, Legal Services and Compliance
- Salary: £25 – 30 per hour
- Location: London (on site once per month)
Key Responsibilities:
Investigations & Case Management
- Independently manage a caseload of student complaints, appeals, disciplinary and Fitness to Practise investigations.
- Take end-to-end ownership of investigations, ensuring matters are handled impartially, thoroughly and within agreed timescales.
- Plan and scope investigations, identifying key issues, evidence requirements and relevant policies and procedures.
- Lead and advise on sensitive and complex investigations, providing expert guidance throughout the process.
Evidence Gathering & Reporting
- Gather, review and critically assess evidence including records, correspondence, statements and supporting documentation.
- Analyse complex and, where necessary, conflicting evidence to reach balanced, evidence-based findings.
- Produce clear, accurate and high-quality investigation reports, recommendations and outcome correspondence.
- Maintain complete, secure and auditable case records in line with regulatory and institutional requirements.
Stakeholder Management & Advisory Support
- Build strong working relationships with academic schools, professional services teams and senior stakeholders.
- Provide advice and guidance on university regulations, policies, procedures and good practice.
- Support formal hearings and appeals, providing guidance to panel members and managers where required.
- Ensure stakeholders are kept informed of case progress, outcomes and agreed actions.
Training, Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Coach and support colleagues in conducting fair, robust and effective investigations.
- Deliver training, guidance and resources to improve investigation capability across the university.
- Monitor trends and recurring themes in casework, identifying opportunities for service and process improvement.
- Contribute to the development of investigation standards, policies, templates and reporting practices.
Candidate Profile:
- Experience working within a UK Higher Education environment.
- Proven experience managing complex investigations, casework or dispute resolution processes.
- Strong understanding of complaints, appeals, disciplinary and/or Fitness to Practise procedures.
- Experience gathering and evaluating evidence and producing detailed investigation reports.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to make impartial, evidence-based decisions.
- Ability to build relationships and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience delivering training, guidance or coaching to support best practice.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Formal investigation training is highly desirable.
This vacancy will be actively shortlisted, so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.