Head of Risk & Compliance (12 Month FTC)

Salary for this Role:

From £96,452 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.

Job Title:

Head of Risk & Compliance (12 Month FTC)

Reports to:

Gavin Mapstone

Closing Date:

15/Mar/2026 23.59 GMT

Job Description:

Head of Risk & Compliance

Reporting to: Group Finance Director

Contract term: This is full-time or part time (0.8 FTE), initially for a fixed term of 12 months on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Salary for this Role: From £96,452 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Start date: Given current priorities, we would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are available at short notice or able to join us promptly.

Application deadline: Sunday 15th March 2026

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the role

We are seeking an outstanding Head of Risk & Compliance to shape the risk and compliance framework within the Francis Crick Institute. Reporting to the Group Finance Director, you will safeguard the Crick’s integrity, reputation and long-term sustainability – while enabling innovation to flourish.

This is an opportunity to influence risk, ethics and assurance strategy within a complex, high-profile non-profit organisation with significant public trust responsibilities and a diverse range of stakeholders, funders and partners.

What you will be doing

You will be responsible for:

• Providing leadership and direction to a range of critical capabilities, including Corporate Risk Management, Compliance, Information Governance, Data Privacy, Internal Audit and Insurance.
• Working closely with the Group Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel to inform the Institute’s related strategy, framework, and approach, for the critical capabilities listed.
• Providing advice and guidance directly to the Executive Management Team and Audit & Risk Committee through regular reports which provide a robust assessment of assurance and recommendations for improvement.
• Maintaining and enhancing a coordinated risk, ethics and compliance management framework that promotes and ensures the integration of the Institute’s code of conduct into its culture and daily operations.
• Delivering the annual internal audit programme and strengthening in-house assurance capability.
• Overseeing insurance strategy and renewals, ensuring proportionate risk transfer.
• Leading GDPR compliance and strengthening data governance practices.
• Leading and developing a small, high-performing Risk and Compliance team.

See the job description for a full list of responsibilities

About you

You will have:

(Minimum criteria *)

• Significant senior experience in risk, compliance, audit or governance within similar organisations to the Crick.*
• Deep knowledge across corporate risk management, compliance frameworks, internal audit, insurance and data privacy.*
• Experience advising and influencing Executive and Board-level stakeholders. *
• Strong track record of leading organisational change and embedding new frameworks.*
• Ability to translate complex regulatory or risk issues into clear, persuasive recommendations.*
• Political awareness and sound judgement, balancing risk and reward while maintaining credibility and trust.
• A forward-looking approach, actively horizon scanning for emerging risks.
• Relevant professional qualification in Finance, Risk Management or Audit.
• Degree-level education (or equivalent).

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! 

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: ruby.oluwafemi@crick.ac.uk.

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.