The Head of Assurance leads the development, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of Betfred’s Second Line Assurance Framework. This is a senior role within the Governance & Assurance function, responsible for providing independent oversight and challenge across regulatory compliance, financial crime, operational controls, and risk management activities.

The role will play a critical part in protecting Betfred’s licence to operate by ensuring robust assurance over compliance with UK Gambling Commission requirements, anti-money laundering obligations, fraud prevention controls, and wider regulatory expectations.

Working closely with Compliance, Risk, Legal, Operations, Technology, Internal Audit, and Executive stakeholders, the Head of Assurance will drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and proactive control management across the organisation. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and the ability to influence at Executive and Board level.

Responsibilities

2nd Line Assurance Framework

Design, implement, and continuously enhance Betfred’s enterprise wide Second Line Assurance Framework
Develop and maintain a risk-based assurance plan aligned to regulatory, financial crime, operational, and conduct risks
Establish consistent assurance methodologies, standards, reporting, and governance across the organisation
Ensure assurance activities are proportionate, data-driven, and aligned to regulatory expectations and industry best practice
Define assurance coverage across key regulatory obligations, controls, policies, and processes
Coordinate assurance activities to minimise duplication and maximise insight across Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit functions

Regulatory Compliance Assurance

Provide independent oversight and assurance over compliance with UK Gambling Commission Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP)
Lead thematic reviews and deep-dive assurance assessments across key regulatory risk areas
Assess the design and operational effectiveness of regulatory controls and governance arrangements
Monitor emerging regulatory developments and ensure assurance activity evolves in line with changing expectations
Support readiness for regulatory inspections, reviews, and external scrutiny
Provide robust challenge and oversight to ensure identified issues are effectively remediated

Financial Crime Assurance

Lead and oversee complex assurance reviews across operational, regulatory, and financial crime risk areas
Ensure assurance reviews are evidence-based, proportionate, and delivered to a high professional standard
Produce clear, concise, and commercially focused assurance reports with practical recommendations
Provide independent challenge to senior stakeholders on risk management, control effectiveness, and regulatory compliance
Escalate material concerns, control weaknesses, or emerging risks appropriately
Maintain effective issue tracking and validation processes to ensure sustainable remediation

Reporting & Governance

Develop high-quality management information and assurance reporting for Executive Committees and Board Committees
Provide insight into assurance outcomes, control effectiveness, emerging risks, and thematic trends
Support governance committees with clear reporting, challenge, and recommendations
Ensure robust documentation, audit trails, and evidence management for all assurance activities
Contribute to the ongoing development of governance and assurance strategies across the organisation

Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong and credible relationships across Compliance, Risk, Legal, Operations, Technology, Product, and Executive leadership teams
Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on assurance, regulatory, and financial crime matters
Influence positive control environments and drive accountability for remediation activities
Promote a strong culture of compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement
Support training and awareness initiatives relating to assurance, regulatory obligations, and financial crime risks

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

Support the continued development and maturity of the Assurance function
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in assurance methodologies, tooling, and reporting capabilities
Promote the use of data analytics and technology-enabled assurance techniques where appropriate
Mentor and develop team members to build a high-performing assurance capability
Maintain awareness of industry best practice, regulatory expectations, and emerging risks across the gambling sector

This list is not exhaustive and additional duties may be required that are considered reasonalble and are alligned to the role

Experience and Skills

Essential

Significant experience within Assurance, Risk, Compliance, Financial Crime, Internal Audit, or related control functions within a regulated environment
Strong understanding of UK Gambling Commission regulatory requirements and expectations
Deep knowledge of financial crime risk management, including AML, fraud, sanctions, and customer risk controls
Proven experience developing and implementing assurance or oversight frameworks
Experience delivering risk-based assurance reviews and assessing control effectiveness
Strong understanding of governance, risk, and control frameworks
Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving capabilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment
High levels of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgement
Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability
Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution

Desirable

Experience within the gambling sector or similarly regulated industries
Professional qualification in Audit, Risk, Compliance, Financial Crime, or related disciplines
Experience engaging with regulators or supporting regulatory inspections and reviews
Familiarity with assurance, GRC, or case management systems
Experience using data analytics or technology-enabled assurance techniques
Understanding of Three Lines of Defence / Three Lines Model principles

Personal Attributes

Credible and confident leader with strong influencing skills
Commercially aware with sound judgement and decision-making capability
Highly organised and detail-oriented
Resilient and calm under pressure
Proactive, solutions-focused, and delivery-oriented
Collaborative approach with the ability to challenge constructively
Strong commitment to continuous improvement and high professional standards