HR Audit and Compliance Officer

Full Job Description

From day one, our mission has been to create an independent business with a unique culture – one that is controlled by the people who work for it. Finding the most talented and entrepreneurial people has always been key to our success. 

People come to Howden for lots of different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. That’s what sets us apart, and why we nurture and retain the best talent in the market. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering - you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

The HR Audit and Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that the organization's human resources practices align with legal and regulatory requirements. They will collaborate with both the HR functions and external and internal audit teams and support with the audit of HR processes, policies, and procedures to identify any compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions. This role involves supporting HR stakeholders to develop and implement compliant practices that promote a fair and inclusive work environment.

Role Responsibilities:

• Facilitate regular audits of HR policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.

• Identify potential risks and areas of non-compliance and develop action plans to address and mitigate them.

• Coordinate the global socialisation of the ERRICA framework and collate required data. Collaborate with Risk team to embed the framework and ensure controls are in place and risks are managed

• Support with the development, reviewing, and updating HR policies, processes and procedures, to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to communicate policy and process changes and ensure understanding and compliance throughout the organization.

• Monitor policy and process adherence and provide guidance to HR team and management on policy interpretation and implementation.

• Prepare reports and documentation related to HR compliance activities, audit findings, and corrective actions taken.

• Maintain accurate and organized records of compliance audits, investigations, and related activities.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to address any compliance-related inquiries or requests for information.

• Collaborate with HR and legal teams to investigate complaints, potential violations, or incidents related to HR compliance.

• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations, maintain confidentiality, and recommend appropriate actions based on investigation outcomes.

• Provide guidance and support to HR teams and management regarding employee relations issues and compliance-related concerns.

Role Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify compliance gaps and recommend effective solutions.

• Attention to detail and ability to conduct thorough audits and investigations.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Proficient in using HR information systems and software for data analysis and reporting.

Our Culture: People First

We’ve travelled far since opening our first office in 1994. Back then we were local experts – based in London, with direct access to the world’s biggest insurance market. We’re still locals, and we still deliver the right advice and the right insurance to our clients. But now, we’re local all over the world. With 15,000 global colleagues and a partner network spanning more than 100 territories, we are the largest independent insurance broker in the world. But our values haven’t changed since day one, when we set out to create a company grounded in:

•    An employee-ownership model 
•    Aligned external investors
•    The trust and integrity born of friendship
•    Expertise
•    Independence

Our focus on being a people-first business has always been at the very heart of Howden. Our vision was to create an independent business with a unique culture; one that would survive and thrive as a business controlled by the people working for it. Our employee ownership model sets us apart in the market. It’s created a culture of collaboration and innovation, where we’re driven to think bigger and empowered to challenge convention. 

Our flat structure and entrepreneurial spirit help us attract the best people and empower them to be the best version of themselves. And when we bring in and nurture great talent, more follows. That makes us better – and that’s better for everyone. 

Diversity & Inclusion

At Howden we consider our people our chief competitive advantage and as such we treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness and respect, regardless of their age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or family circumstances.