Job Description

Head of Risk and Governance

To be based in Liverpool with Hybrid working

The Acorn Group’s Risk and governance role is responsible for developing a group wide governance framework, with consistent risk management, internal controls, reporting arrangements, and governance functions across all entities within the group.

You will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate risk identification, mitigation and monitoring measures are in place; both guided by the goal of adding value to improve the operations of the group and enabling the group to achieve its objectives and ensuring that all group companies are in compliance with relevant laws and regulation.

The functions play a critical role in protecting the assets, reputation and sustainability of the Group through helping improve the internal control system; bringing a rigorous approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.

As the Head of Risk and Governance you will be required to take the role of Money Laundering Officer subject to successful completion of your probationary period and any relevant regulatory approvals applicable to the role.

You will collaborate with Group business areas and functional stakeholders whilst:

• Developing a framework to identify, analysing, mitigate, and monitor any risks in the Group’s operations, claims, and controls.
• Work closely with the COO in the delivery of the Groups Operational Resilience Plan
• Provide input on the Group’s risk-based compliance programme, to ensure that compliance projects, monitoring activities and relevant stakeholders focus on key risks and controls,
• Attend and actively participate in relevant meetings, committees and projects which require input from risk and governance
• Collaborating across different business functions to provide for an integrated and coordinated approach to risk assessment and controls,
• Bring responsible for the overall effectiveness and value of the Risk function by developing innovative approaches and solutions.

We are seeking candidates who have excelled in previous work experience, possess strong risk, compliance and interpersonal skills, and are enthusiastic about and committed to contribute to our mission of being industry leaders and will be a key contributor to the achievement of the firm’s strategic goals. We are looking for candidates that are proactive, continuously learn and introduce improved ways of doing things, in development of solutions to problems and processes.

Key Responsibilities –

• Lead on the development of the group’s wide governance framework, managing and maturing the risk management framework across all group business functions.
• Ensure risks are identified, analysed, appropriately treated, monitored and recorded.
• Lead on risk strategy development.
• Develop and manage a risk incident programme
• Lead on risk event recording and reporting across all group business functions
• Lead on third party risk management, supporting our regulatory and governance obligations across the Group
• Compile and integrate an appropriate group risk appetite in collaboration with the Board and key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain the Group’s Risk Registers.
• Own and support key stakeholders with the implementation and roll out of a new risk management system
• Lead and manage the 2nd line operational resilience team, maintaining effective controls and ensuring compliance with operational resilience, liaising with relevant business functions; ensuring they are tested regularly and resultant actions are completed and reported to the COO and board.
• Quarterly reporting to board and exec team on Operational Resilience, Risk and Governance
• Design and implement MI and reporting to monitor risks and performance against risk appetite.
• Lead on the implementation of the Issues/Risks Database for control/risk issue resolution. Monitor and report on issue management to ensure improvement plans are delivered on time.
• Lead and own the firm’s Financial Crime Policy including oversight, review and reporting
• Oversee the firm’s compliance with the FCA rules on systems and controls against money laundering and procedures for countering the risk that the group companies could be used for financial crime
• Collaborate and provide directions on the risk programme for outsourced activities, suppliers, and sub-brokers, ensuring appropriate due diligence is in place.
• Perform risk assessments across all business functions.
• Researching industry best practice and contributing knowledge to the ongoing development and improvement of risk and data analysis and reporting.
• Perform frequent Horizon scanning
• Formalise, maintain and reviewing Group risk and governance policies
• Collaborate with the internal audit function to ensure audits are carried out on key risks, and risks identified in audits are appropriately recorded and managed.
• Provide risk advice/approval on complex matters to business functions in efficient and effective manner.
• Provide risk information, updates and MI quarterly to the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and the Board.
• Be accountable for meeting deliverables, KPIs, and objectives, implementing feedback provided.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships internally.
• Embed a risk-awareness culture throughout the group.

Experience and Skills –

What we are looking for

• Significant risk experience is required, within the insurance industry.
• Compliance experience, with comprehensive knowledge of FCA regulations.
• The ability to support and influence colleagues in relation to their risk responsibilities.
• Experience of performing in and / or leading highly effective teams; identifying / implementing improvements to operating methodologies and inspiring excellent performance.
• Risk leadership experience; effectively deliver projects, determine appropriate reporting and procedures as needed.
• Experience in risk assessments, identifying and quantifying risks, testing risk controls.
• Tenacity to investigate areas of concern across all business functions.
• An ability to interpret, understand, maintain and advise the business on a broad range or legal and regulatory issues.
• Strong reporting skills.
• Good at cultivating relationships with stakeholders within the group, building trust that facilitates an open mindset and free exchange of information.
• Function independently, on own initiative taking ownership and ensuring implementation of projects and policies.
• Excellent presentation and communication (oral and written), and project management skills.
• Ability to adapt communication style to tailor approach to suit varied stakeholder needs.

Grow with Acorn

At Acorn Insurance, we’re proud of our Liverpool roots — and even prouder of how far we’ve come. As part of the Acorn Group, we bring over 40 years of specialist insurance expertise to the table. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a national leader, now employing 1,700+ people across the UK and reached a milestone £750 million in total value of insurance policies written in 2024.

We’re growing fast, with new opportunities emerging every week. That growth is largely due to the values we share:

• We run through walls for our customers and each other
• We challenge the status quo
• We succeed when we help those around us succeed
• We decide quickly when the smart thing to do is use our judgement

Benefits

• A maximum of 35 days’ holiday (depending on role and tenure) including bank holidays, with additional buy/sell options
• 24/7 mental health support & free counselling available

☝ Grow with us: Through career fairs, leadership programs, and learning on the go!

• Flexible benefits, including early access to salary via our internal platform
• Hybrid working options to support work-life balance and individual needs
• Recognition awards, social events & more

Our Commitment to our colleague’s:

These aren’t just words — they’re the principles we live by. And we’re proud to back them up with real action, earning recognition and accreditation from leading organisations that share our commitment to people and growth:

• Mindful Employer – championing mental health and wellbeing

♿ Disability Confident Level 1 & 2 – creating accessible, inclusive opportunities

• Menopause Friendly accredited – supporting every stage of life
• ️ Armed Forces Covenant signatory – honouring those who serve
• ️ Armed Forces Defence employer recognition scheme - Supporting those who serve
• Great Places to Work 2024/25 – fostering an engaging and positive workplace culture
• Best Place to Work for Development – proud to be investing in people’s future
• ‍• Best Place to Work for Women – breaking down barriers to women's career progression

If you’re looking for a company with a strong culture, real career progression, and a people-first approach — all rooted in the heart of Liverpool — Grow with Acorn.

A Few Things to Know Before You Apply

We’re really excited that you’re considering joining Acorn! To help everything go smoothly, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

If your application is successful, we will commence relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include a standard criminal record check and an insolvency register check.

• Visa Requirements

Because our training is quite comprehensive, we can only consider applicants who have at least one year remaining on their Graduate or Post-Study Work visa. At the moment, we’re not able to offer visa sponsorship.

• We’re Here to Support You

We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can flourish. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process—or once you’re part of the team—just let us know. Whether it’s flexible hours, adapted equipment, or a bit of extra support, we’ll work with you to make sure you can do your best work.

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