Compliance and Sponsor Licence Lead

Salary: c£45k DOE

Location: Coventry

Reports to: Head of Operations

Role Summary

This role will be the lead for the Erasmus+ Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) scheme for IRARA and will also lead compliance oversight of its contracted sponsorship activity. It will ensure programme employees understand and apply scheme requirements through clear procedures, training and quality assurance. Programme employees will carry out routine checks and administration; the lead is the senior point of escalation for complex cases, uncertainty and compliance risks.

As a secondary function, this role will support employees with escalated immigration enquiries after the issue of Certificates of Sponsorships (CoS) and provide advice within the adviser’s IAA authorisation and IRARA’s permitted arrangements. Scheme compliance and employee capability remain the primary focus.

Main duties

• Maintain authoritative scheme guidance, track rule changes and translate requirements into practical procedures, checklists and best practice.
• Train and coach programme employees; check their understanding and ensure consistent application of scheme requirements, including partner responsibilities.
• Set standards for employee assessment of Erasmus+ applications against GAE requirements, identity and supporting document verification, and documented eligibility decisions.
• Ensure employees confirm placements are supernumerary: additional to normal employee numbers and not filling permanent vacancies, with eligible duties, skill level and pay.
• Oversee employee issuance (assignment) of CoS and operation and maintenance of the Sponsor Management System (SMS), with clear permissions and approvals.
• Ensure employees meet sponsor reporting deadlines and monitor compliance throughout the sponsorship lifecycle, including permission, right-to-work, attendance and contact checks.
• Set audit-ready record and sponsor file standards; use proportionate sampling, assurance reviews and trend analysis to identify gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex eligibility questions, inconsistent evidence, suspected non-compliance and exceptions; document decisions and escalate material risks to leadership.
• Lead sponsor licence readiness and liaison with UKVI, coordinating responses to sponsor requirements, enquiries, audits and visits with designated key personnel.
• As a secondary responsibility, guide employees and handle escalated post-CoS enquiries about visa applications, supporting documents, dependants and previous immigration history.
• Provide escalated pre-submission reassurance, application reviews and additional support within authorised scope; record advice and refer matters outside that scope to an appropriately authorised adviser.
• Any other duties appropriate to the role.

Requirements

Essential (these will be used to decide whether to shortlist)

Experience

• Demonstrable practical experience advising on UK visa requirements and assessing eligibility in immigration services, a university visa team, sponsor compliance or a comparable setting.
• Demonstrable experience of UK sponsor compliance, including sponsor reporting, auditable records and Sponsor Management System administration.
• Guiding/training/coaching colleagues, implementing compliance procedures and resolving escalated cases or compliance concerns.
• GAE eligibility and sponsorship duty guidance, with the ability to apply current rules to individual applicants and placements.
• UK immigration casework: checking supporting documents, recording reasoned assessments and managing confidential cases and deadlines.
• Engaging stakeholders and partners, including applicants, host organisations or advisers, to resolve queries and coordinate requirements.

Skills

• Interpret immigration rules accurately, maintain reliable scheme knowledge and translate it into practical employees guidance.
• Use sound judgement to resolve escalations, identify systemic risks and improve practice through proportionate quality assurance.
• Explain requirements clearly and sensitively to applicants, partners and colleagues.
• Maintain accurate records, organise competing deadlines and use case management systems or spreadsheets confidently.
• Adept at protecting personal information and understanding the boundaries of permitted immigration advice.

Education

• Current Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) registration/authorisation as an adviser in the Immigration category, at a level appropriate to the applicant advice provided by this role.
• Relevant training or equivalent practical experience in immigration advice, sponsorship or compliance. No specific degree is required.

Desirable

Experience

• Direct experience with GAE schemes, exchange programmes or oversight of host organisations.
• International immigration or asylum casework experience, demonstrating transferable skills in evidence assessment, sensitive case handling and working across jurisdictions.
• Leading sponsor licence management, assigning Certificates of Sponsorship or supporting Home Office audits.

Skills

• Ability to analyse compliance trends, improve knowledge resources and lead improvements across partner organisations.

Education

• Additional relevant qualifications or training in sponsor compliance, immigration casework or regulatory assurance.

Why Join IRARA?

We offer an opportunity to be part of a global support network, which aims to positively impact the lives of others. We have a culture and working environment that is friendly and fast paced, supporting personal growth within the organisation.

We really value our people and offer a friendly, collaborative and purpose-driven environment.

Benefits include

• Hybrid working model
• 22 days annual leave, increasing with length of service + Bank holidays + the ability to buy up to an extra 5 days a year
• Online perk scheme

How do I apply?

To apply please send your CV and covering letter to careers@irara.org, subject line: Compliance and Sponsor Licence Lead

Please do not hesitate to reach out to careers@irara.org, if you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity in more detail.

We welcome applications from individuals with transferable skills and diverse backgrounds. We are building a diverse and inclusive workforce, which involves hiring the best people for our roles. In order to do this we’re committed to ensuring that all candidates have fair opportunities. If we can make any adjustments to ensure that the process is accessible please let us know. We are proud to support care leavers, armed forces veterans, those at risk of homelessness and are Disability Confident. Please mention it in your application if any of these apply to you. We will treat all information confidentially.

You must be eligible to work in the Uk and able to pass a security check, including a DBS.

The closing date for applications is 8am on Monday 16^th November.