Student Data Specialist (Statutory Returns)

University of Surrey; London Borough of Southwark; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Relocation aid

Flexible working (job share & blended)

Campus leisure facilities access

Travel schemes

Family friendly nursery

Job summary

University of Surrey is seeking a Student Data Specialist (Statutory Returns) to strengthen the quality, consistency and governance of student data underpinning statutory reporting. You will investigate complex data quality issues, work with Student Records, IT and Planning, and influence improvements across the university.

You will apply professional judgement, provide specialist advice on HESA returns, and contribute to continuous improvement of statutory returns, with opportunities for career

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent significant relevant professional experience in student data or statutory reporting.
• Experience with HESA statutory reporting in higher education.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills to identify data quality issues and root causes.
• Good knowledge of student information systems, preferably Tribal SITS, and lifecycle processes.

Responsibilities

• Investigate student data quality issues and identify root causes.
• Review and improve data governance, validation, and reporting processes.
• Provide specialist advice on data requirements and regulatory reporting including HESA.
• Support planning and continuous improvement of statutory returns.

Skills

Analytical skills

Investigative skills

Stakeholder communication

Team collaboration

Professional judgement

Education

Degree or equivalent in a relevant field

Tools

HESA knowledge

Tribal SITS

Student data systems

Job description

Student Data Specialist (Statutory Returns)

The role

Are you passionate about improving data quality, solving complex problems and making processes work better?

We are looking for a Student Data Specialist (Statutory Returns) to join our Student Data team and help strengthen the quality, consistency and reliability of the student data underpinning the University's statutory reporting.

This is an opportunity to play an important role in developing how student data is managed across the University. Working closely with colleagues in Student Records, IT, Planning and Academic Administration, you will investigate complex data issues, identify opportunities for improvement and help develop sustainable solutions that address problems at their source.

Your work will include:

• Investigating complex student data quality issues, identifying root causes and developing practical, sustainable solutions.
• Reviewing and improving the business processes, data flows, validation processes and controls that underpin statutory reporting.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University to identify and implement improvements to student data quality, consistency and governance.
• Providing specialist advice on student data requirements, systems and regulatory reporting, including HESA returns.
• Supporting the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of statutory returns, helping to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of the Student Data team.
• Sharing expertise and supporting colleagues to develop more effective and sustainable approaches to managing student data.

You will have considerable scope to apply your professional judgement, take ownership of complex investigations and influence improvements across organisational boundaries, while contributing to the longer-term development of the University's approach to student data management and governance.

About you

We are looking for an analytical, inquisitive and collaborative individual who enjoys understanding complex problems and working with others to find effective solutions.

You will bring:

• A degree or equivalent significant relevant professional experience in student data, statutory reporting, information management or a related field.
• Experience of working with student data in a higher education environment, together with a good working understanding of HESA statutory reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills, with experience of identifying data quality issues, analysing and understanding their causes and developing practical solutions.
• Good working knowledge of student information systems, preferably Tribal SITS, and the business processes that support the student lifecycle.
• An understanding of data quality, governance and assurance principles, and their application to student data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly, exercise sound professional judgement and work effectively with colleagues across different professional areas.
• A proactive, organised and collaborative approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality outcomes

Above all, you will be someone who is curious about how things work, willing to challenge established approaches constructively, and motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

• generous pension
• relocation assistance where appropriate
• flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties)
• access to world-class leisure facilities on campus
• a range of travel schemes
• supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.