Data Assurance Lead

**Description**:
At UK Biobank, we hold one of the world’s most valuable health research resources a database of unparalleled depth and integrity. Safeguarding that data and ensuring its responsible use is central to everything we do.

This is your opportunity to lead the assurance and compliance systems that underpin UK Biobank’s reputation as a secure, trusted data custodian. You’ll help ensure researchers worldwide can access our data safely, ethically, and in full compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.

**Can you do it?**:
Reporting to the Head of Risk and Assurance, you’ll develop, implement, and oversee data sharing assurance frameworks across UK Biobank’s global research community. You’ll ensure that all research conducted using UK Biobank data complies with our governance standards, Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and the Certified Trusted Research Environment (CTRE) framework.

This is a critical role that combines strategic oversight, operational delivery, and stakeholder engagement ensuring data remains both accessible for innovation and protected with rigour.

**You will be responsible for**:

- Building effective relationships with compliance, assurance, and relevant leads at organisations hosting UK Biobank data, including legacy download users, RAP users, and cTRE users.
- Supporting internal and external audit activity, liaising with third-party audit providers to maintain continuous assurance.
- Implementing and overseeing the UK Biobank cTRE framework, including validation of researcher environments and monitoring of data access.
- Collaborating with System Owners and the Data & Technology team to develop management information tools to monitor compliance metrics and performance.

**Is this 'you'?**:
To be successful, you will have:

- Experience and knowledge of industry recognised information security frameworks (NHS DSE, CAF).
- Experience of working with academic and commercial researchers, higher education institutions, research institutes, or research-intensive corporates.
- Experience in a regulated environment, including participation in external audits.
- Detailed knowledge of relevant standards (ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 20387, HTA).

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, hybrid working is available. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid to late 2026). Occasional travel will be required to Oxford, London, and Imaging Centres.

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.

**Your Wellbeing Matters to Us**:
We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:

- ️ **26 Days’ Annual Leave** - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
- ➕ **Holiday Buy Scheme** - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
- **Birthday Leave** - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
- **USS Pension Scheme** - Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
- **Healthcare Cash Plan** - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
- **Enhanced Family Leave -** Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
- **Cycle to Work Scheme** - Save on a new bike and accessories.
- **Season Ticket Loan** - Interest-free loan to help with commuting costs.
- **Professional Subscriptions** - Reimbursement where applicable.
- **Learning budget** - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
- ️ **Free On-Site Gym** - Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
- ️ **Subsidised Canteen Lunches** - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
- **Free Car Parking** - On-site parking available for staff.
- ️ **Employee Discounts Portal** - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
- **Employee Assistance Programme** - Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.
- **Annual Flu Vaccination** - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
- ️ **Life Assurance Cover** - Financial protection for your loved ones.

LI-Hybrid

**About UK Biobank**:
UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants.

The database, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, is anonymised and made widely accessible by UK Biobank to global researchers who use it to find new scientific discoveries about common and life-threatening diseases - such as cancer, heart disease and stroke which strike in mid-later life.

UK Biobank is an innovative organisation with over 350 staff across four sites in the UK that fosters an engaging environment and supports the development of our staff. Our dedicated teams work