The Role
The Senior Operational Policy Assurance and Compliance Officer (SOPAC) is a key part of the Operational Policy, Assurance and Compliance
team in the ICRIR. The team play a key role in assuring that the crucial work being carried out in the Investigations and Findings teams is
carried out to the required standards, meets the public and internal facing policy and process requirements, and is in accordance with the
values, mission and vision of the Commission. You will be a strategic leader capable of anticipating long-term impacts and shaping direction
across the Commission, and with external stakeholders. You will shape the function and its strategies, plans and practices to support the
Commission’s transition and long-term vision. You will contribute at a senior level, keeping the Commission’s senior and executive teams
informed with progress in the function’s area and offer options, challenges and advice at senior levels with big-picture thinking and decision-making.
ICRIR has entered a period of reform in preparation for its transition to the Legacy Commission including operationalisation of new powers,
legislation and capabilities. The SOPAC’s role at this key time will be strategically pivotal and transformational, ensuring ICRIR continues to
deliver for victims, families and survivors whilst simultaneously developing new and futureproof policies and processes.
Reporting to the Head of Operational Policy, Assurance and Compliance, you will support them in a thematic policy review to streamline and
improve existing policies and processes whilst supporting the changes required to transition to the Legacy Commission, futureproofing the
function and the work more broadly in the long-term. You will encourage ideas and improvements and challenge the status quo to inform a
transformation of the function’s delivery, including by the use of technology and tools such as AI. You will develop joined-up strategies and
policies that add value for the operational teams and stakeholders. You will identify systemic compliance issues and shape strategic
improvements, as well as refine the framework for the continuous improvement of processes.
You will lead and motivate a small policy, compliance and assurance team, inspiring them and the broader operational teams to engage with
and deliver the Commission’s objectives. You will build a high-performing team aligned with the Commission’s strategic priorities, actively
sharing and promoting knowledge and sharing of skills, championing development and inclusivity, and you will seek and implement feedback
from across the Commission. There may be resource/people management responsibilities supporting the academic researchers’ team and
oversight of the secretariat responsibilities for the External Advisory Group.
The role continued -
You will use your extensive experience to actively participate in the business-as-usual work of the team as well as providing strategic oversight
and direction. You will ensure the timely and high-impact delivery of strategic assurance and inspection activities covering all operational
aspects of the Commission’s investigations process through the Support, Information Recovery and Findings stages. You will oversee and
undertake reviews and other evidence gathering activities to a consistently high standard. You will manage and evaluate a wide range of
information and produce strategic insights and robust evidence to inform Commission decision-making in the areas of compliance and
adherence to Commission policies and processes in operational casework.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
• Deep strategic understanding of the ICRIR’s mission, values and evolving remit, with the insight and judgement to navigate the complex
challenges of its transition to the Legacy Commission. Demonstrates the ability to anticipate long-term implications, and shape policy
and operational direction accordingly.
• Experience in relevant operational contexts (e.g. law enforcement, regulatory or investigative environments).
• A proven track record in developing, implementing and assuring policy and audit frameworks in a data and evidence-led manner that
drive performance and accountability, shape strategic decisions, enhance service delivery and influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage credibly and confidently with stakeholders at all levels. Able
to convey complex ideas with clarity and conviction, build trusted relationships, and influence strategic outcomes across organisational
boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to lead others in solving complex, high-stakes problems, using sound judgement, evidence and creativity to make
effective decisions under pressure.
• Proven capability to set strategic direction, drive high performance and maintain focus on core priorities, even in the face of ambiguity or
competing demands.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously while maintaining
quality, pace and impact.
• Sound judgement in weighing competing perspectives and risks, with the ability to generate pragmatic, values-led solutions that support
the Commission’s objectives and uphold public confidence.
• Consistently demonstrates the values and ethical standards set out in the ICRIR Code of Conduct, acting with integrity, impartiality and
respect in all interactions.
• Forward-thinking and innovation-oriented, with a willingness to lead the exploration and adoption of novel tools — including AI — to
enhance policy delivery, assurance and operational effectiveness.
• Ability to operate in a flexible manner to support operational demands, and contribute to the team’s throughput at all levels.
• Willingness to undergo and meet the requirements for SC clearance, if not already held.
Person Specification
Desirable Criteria
• Experience in developing policy and oversight systems in response to new legislation or during periods of organisational transition,
showing the ability to navigate complexity, anticipate risks and embed sustainable, futureproof change.