Compliance Officer and Assistant to the Chief Executive

Independent Society of Musicians

Hours
35 hours per week

About the Organisation

With a current membership of over 11,000 musicians, the award-winning ISM is the UK’s largest representative non-union body for musicians. For over 140 years, we have been dedicated to promoting the importance of music and supporting those working in the music world. Our members come from all areas of the music industry and have many different roles and musical backgrounds.

We are a nationally recognised subject association for music and are financially independent with no political affiliation, allowing us the freedom to campaign on any issue affecting musicians, and to work alongside politicians, people, and organisations to make change happen. We know from our latest members’ survey just how much our members really value the ISM community and the sense of belonging and safety it gives them.

Our fabulous staff team has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and brings to the ISM direct experience of working in the music and education sectors. We all share a love of music, and many of us are active musicians in our spare time. By joining us, you will become part of a passionate, dynamic, and welcoming team where you will be supported and encouraged to use and develop your skills. 

About the role

The award-winning ISM is the dynamic, change-making professional body representing musicians. With a current membership of over 11,000, the ISM is known for its wide range of services to its members, from legal to health and wellbeing. We are also known for our campaigning work on issues from music education to AI and Brexit. The ISM is now looking for a highly experienced Compliance Officer to work closely with the Chief Executive across safeguarding, governance, GDPR and risk management.

You will be responsible for ensuring that the ISM is compliant in all these areas and draft and advise on contracts, procedures and codes, including HR documents such as the staff handbook. You will also work closely with the CEO on Board matters including preparing Board papers, drafting and circulating Board minutes and Board recruitment. You will also be the Designated Safeguarding Person. You will have good knowledge of using Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible with the CEO for developing, maintaining and implementing policies, codes and procedures across the ISM Group including GDPR, safeguarding, human resources and health and safety to manage risk and meet regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all Board members and staff understand and meet compliance obligations in connection with health and safety, safeguarding and GDPR and delivery requisite training.
• Maintain and update the Risk Registers.
• Ensure that our safeguarding policies are kept up to date and are published in all key places such as the Member Handbook and the website.
• Ensure that our safeguarding procedures are followed internally and take appropriate steps to notify the CEO of safeguarding issues. Draft reports as necessary.
• Undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Person
• Work with colleagues to ensure that we are GDPR compliant and lead on putting in place data protection policies.
• Deliver training on both GDPR and safeguarding to members.
• Assist the CEO on carrying out her duties including drafting correspondence, taking minutes, undertaking research, preparing briefings, helping to write Board papers and speeches and being the main point of contact for the CEO.
• Undertake HR duties including assisting with all aspects of recruitment and keep up to date staff records such as holiday and sick leave, JDs and contact details.
• Be responsible for updating the staff handbook and drafting contracts for staff.
• Lead on the induction process.
• Liaise with the External Affairs team to ensure that there is coordination between the
• CEO, her diary and the meeting requirements of EA.
• Provide support with all aspects of Board management from recruitment to the Board to arranging Board meetings and associated meetings.
• Collate and format all Board papers and ensure they are sent out in a timely fashion to
• Board members ahead of Board meetings.
• Attend Board meetings and take minutes recording all decisions.
• Work alongside the CEO in all aspects of governance relating to the ISM Group in particular:
  • Maintain up-to-date lists of all Directors and Trustees of the ISM Group of companies, their periods of office and their contact details.
  • Maintain up-to-date records with Companies House and the Charity
  • Commission re Board appointments
  • Maintain an up-to-date calendar of all key Governance dates, ISM Group meetings and specific business to be conducted at each ISM Group meeting.
  • Maintain an up-to-date list of all Committees of the ISM Group including
  • Child Protection and Disciplinary Committee, HR Committee and the three Boards.
  • Maintain all governance documents.
  • Organise the AGM and Board elections.
• Organise events and activities for the staff team to support team culture and collaboration.

Core Values For All Staff:

• Perform your role to a high standard, on time, and with dedication and commitment.
• Deliver the ISM Group’s agreed objectives and maintain our reputation of working at the forefront of supporting the music profession.
• Deliver the 5 Gs at all times.
• Treat all colleagues, members and people you come in contact with as a result of your work at the ISM with fairness and respect and in accordance with our commitment to equal opportunities.
• Ensure effective, efficient and timely communication with all colleagues and stakeholders with an emphasis on face-to-face communication.
• Take responsibility for your own health and safety and responsibility for the reporting of hazards that you believe could impact on health and safety within the ISM’s premises and other premises used by the ISM.
• Staff are expected to take part in the appraisal process and to undertake continuous professional development and training such as may be necessary to meet our business objectives.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential:

• Very strong administrative and drafting skills
• Good knowledge of GDPR, risk management, safeguarding and HR.
• Strong governance skills
• Experience of preparing business documents, including Board papers and drafting and circulating Board minutes.
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to draft letters and emails with minimal supervision in line with brand and style guidelines.
• Absolute loyalty, discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent common sense and good judgement.
• A highly accurate and efficient record keeper.
• Good team player who works well under pressure and to deadlines.
• Strong IT skills including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Strong music background

Compensation & Benefits

• 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays, and extra days accrued on completion of service, up to 30 days. Part-time staff are entitled to leave pro rata.
• Five days' extra leave over the Christmas period (part-time pro rata).
• Workplace pension contribution of 3% in the first year and 10% after one year’s employment.
• Discounts include travel, fashion, days out, lifestyle, motoring, and more.
• Your professional development will be discussed with your line manager regularly in one-to-ones and an annual appraisal.
• Opportunities for learning and development are supported by external and internal training sessions and attendance at sector conferences and events.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• To apply, please send a CV and covering letter saying why you are the right person for the job to [email protected]. The closing date is Tuesday 20th October 2026 at 9.30 am
• For further information, please contact [email protected]
• AI-generated applications will not be considered.
• ISM staff recruitment pack

Interviews

• Interviews will take place virtually and face-to-face

Policies

We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, faith, family status or sexual orientation. To ensure we are meeting the needs of all musicians, we particularly encourage applications from communities which are underrepresented. ISM members are welcome to apply.

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