Student Statutory Returns Officer

We are the University of Cumbria, a place where people are at the heart of all we do, where enriching the lives of our students, staff and the communities we serve means we make a difference that really matters.

Now is a very exciting time to be joining us because we are delivering a new strategic plan focused on making the most of our three most valuable assets; People, Place and Partnerships, to become a catalyst for economic well-being for our region, nationally and internationally.

We are looking for an analytical and detail-focused Student Statutory Returns Officer to join our specialist team.

Student statutory returns are a critical part of the University’s regulatory responsibilities. Working closely with the Student Statutory Returns Manager, you will help ensure that statutory data submissions are accurate, timely and of a consistently high quality. This will include supporting significant returns such as the HESA Student Record (Data Futures), NHS England, NSS and other submissions required by the Office for Students (OfS) and relevant external bodies.

You will use Tribal SITS, the University’s student records system, alongside tools such as Microsoft Excel, to extract, review, manipulate and validate complex student data. You will analyse datasets, investigate anomalies and identify incomplete or inaccurate records, working with colleagues across the University to resolve issues at source. Experience of using Tribal SITS is desirable, together with an understanding of data quality checking and information management systems.

The role will involve supporting the full statutory returns cycle, from interpreting technical specifications and assessing new reporting requirements through to data preparation, validation, submission and quality assurance. You will monitor guidance from organisations including HESA and the OfS, helping the University respond to changes in reporting requirements, validation rules and submission deadlines.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues from across the University to communicate data requirements, explain identified issues and support improvements to data collection and recording practices. You will also assist with producing reports and presenting complex findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your technical and regulatory expertise in a specialised and important area of higher education. You will contribute directly to the accuracy, integrity and effective use of the University’s student data while developing a detailed understanding of the relationship between student records, regulatory requirements, institutional performance and funding.

Informal Enquiries: Louise Bennett - Student Statutory Returns Manager - [email protected]

We offer a comprehensive set of staff benefits which includes a competitive salary, 35 hour working week (pro rata), 33 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata), excellent pension scheme with 8% employer contribution, hybrid working in line with business need and corporate discounts to name a few. For more information please click HERE

Further details:

Job Description

We encourage applications from the broadest range of society, including all under-represented groups with particular emphasis on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in our University and in comparison, to the sector.

Job Details

Department

Student Systems and Data

Location

Carlisle

Starting Salary

£26,707 with incremental progression to £30,378

Post Type

Full Time

Contract Type

Permanent

Release Date

Monday 05 October 2026

Closing Date

23.59 hours GMT on Monday 02 November 2026

Reference

XX165726