BIRI Compliance Manager (Part-time/24 month FTC)

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a BIRI Compliance Manager to join our Funding Assurance Team in the Research Directorate, responsible for supporting The British International Research Institutes (BIRI) to develop and maintain their governance policies and procedures.

The role

The British International Research Institutes (BIRI) are global research partners in the arts, humanities and social sciences – discovering new knowledge, promoting cultural heritage and supporting international engagement. They comprise nine independent charities of varying size and structure that are hubs in a network of regional contacts and activities that cover the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and southern Europe, Africa, Turkey, the Middle East, Iran and Central Asia.

The BIRI are funded in part by the British Academy, and the BIRI Compliance Manager will be responsible for supporting the BIRI to develop and maintain their governance policies and procedures. The role holder will oversee all aspects of governance effectiveness and compliance within the smaller BIRI, ensure governance adheres to good practice and meets all statutory and regulatory requirements, and provide strategic advice to the BIRI leadership teams and where appropriate their Board of Trustees.

The ideal candidate will have had experience in a compliance or regulatory assurance environment, or will have had suitable experience overseeing policies, procedures, governance structures and frameworks. You will be able to communicate effectively with senior external stakeholders, have a strong eye for detail, and be confident working independently while demonstrating key skills of teamwork and collaboration. Previous experience working within the charity sector is essential.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy. The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Engagement; Fellowship & Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small CEO's Office Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria. To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the link to access the Applied recruitment platform.

Applications must be received no later than 5pm on 27 November 2026.