Appointment details

Student Loans Company - Independent Assessor (X4)

Summary

• Organisation: Independent Assessors for Student Finance, Appeals and Complaints
• Sponsor department: Department for Education
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Education
• Skills: Legal, Regulation, Casework and Complaints Handling
• Number of vacancies: 4
• Time commitment: 8 day(s) per month
• Remuneration: £500 per day
• Length of term: 3 Years
• Application deadline: 11am on 22 May 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   27 April 2026

2. Application deadline

   11am on 22 May 2026

3. Sifting date

   5 June 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   2 July 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Appointment description

The main responsibilities and duties of an IA will be to:

• Complete and report on a minimum of four complaints or appeals cases per month, as required, plus attendance at a minimum of three meetings per year.

• Consider appeals from Student Finance England (SFE) and Student Finance Wales (SFW) customers in relation to decisions made by the SLC about eligibility or entitlement to financial support.

• Consider complaints regarding the standard of service received from SLC, where they have not been resolved through the SLC’s internal review process. This includes goods and services delivered by third party suppliers on SLC’s behalf.

• Conduct formal investigations (including call-listening, a formal written review of the evidence presented, interpreting relevant legislation, seeking further written evidence where necessary).

• Keep up to date with new legislation and guidance relating to DfE or WG publications, and the SFE/SFW Practitioners guide. 

• Provide written reports to customers and the SLC following assessment of individual appeals and complaints cases within the guidelines and timescales set by SLC.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website 

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Possesses a legal qualification and/or equivalent relevant experience from regulatory environments, together with the ability to distinguish clearly between facts and assertions, and to interpret and apply statutory criteria, legislation and guidance in a consistent, clear and evidence based manner. (lead criterion)

• Able to assess large volumes of complex material efficiently and accurately, producing objective findings, justifiable conclusions, and practical recommendations, and contributing to or conducting investigations, reviews, complaints or appeals.

• Demonstrates an understanding of fair, empathetic and evidence based complaint handling, with experience working with or within large, complex organisations to achieve effective resolutions.

• Strong written communication skills, demonstrated by the ability to produce clear, persuasive and accessible reports within agreed timescales, and capable of organising own workload efficiently (and independently where required), maintaining accurate records, and using IT systems confidently

Desirable criteria

• Awareness of, or willingness to develop knowledge in, relevant Higher and Further Education Law applicable in England and Wales – particularly the Student Support Regulations.

• Demonstrable experience working with and/or applying immigration law, including interpreting relevant legal frameworks, guidelines or casework.

Application and selection process

How to apply

Further Information

If you wish to discuss the role please contact SLC.SPONSORSHIP@education.gov.uk

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions To apply, all candidates are required to provide:

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• a supporting statement detailing with examples of how you meet the essential criteria, no more than 750 words.
• equality information
• information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues

In the event that we receive a high volume of applications, we will sift only on the lead criterion in the preliminary sift: Possesses a legal qualification or equivalent relevant experience from regulatory environments, together with the ability to distinguish clearly between facts and assertions, and interpret and apply statutory criteria, legislation and guidance in a consistent, clear and evidence based manner.

We will be holding information sessions to provide more detail about the role and answer questions from candidates. We are aiming to hold these sessions on Friday 8 May at 12-1pm and 6-7pm (subject to change) via Microsoft Teams.

Please register below if interested:

Independent Assessor webinar - 8 May 2026, 12-1pm – Fill in form

Independent Assessor webinar - 8 May 2026, 6-7pm – Fill in form

If you are shortlisted, we will send you a short report writing test to assess your written communication skills and regulatory analysis; the score will form part of your overall interview assessment

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

Please contact us should you wish for us to consider any adjustments to support your application: SLC.SPONSORSHIP@education.gov.uk

The Advisory Assessment Panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all the elements listed above, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.

Please note the following:

• We cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date. Applications will be assessed on the documentation provided. Please refer to the advert and checklist to ensure you have provided the necessary documentation.
• We will assess applications based solely on documentation provided. Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.
• Feedback will only be given to candidates unsuccessful following interview.

Complaints

Please contact the Public Appointments Team if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at: PublicAppointments.DFE@education.gov.uk

We will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

If you are not content with our response please contact the Commissioner for Public Appointments at: publicappointments@csc.gov.uk   

Further information on complaints can be found on the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s website:  https://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/  

Overview of the application process

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages. We aim to conclude the appointment process within three months of the deadline for applications – this is in accordance with the Governance Code.

The assessment process

1. Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.

2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates have best met the criteria, who should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and you meet all the essential criteria, then you will also be invited for an interview.

4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Ministers, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.

5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision.

6. Details of the panel’s assessment of interviewed candidates are provided to Ministers, including whether they have judged a candidate to be appointable to the role. It is then for Ministers to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, Ministers may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.

7. Ministers may choose to meet with candidates before deciding the outcome. Candidates should therefore be prepared for a short time gap between interview and a final appointment decision being made. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

8. Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application, including whom they may approach for feedback. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms & Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying, can be found on our guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

●     Anne Rimmer - Deputy Director for Student Loan Funding Policy & SLC Sponsorship - Designated Departmental Official and Panel Chair.

●     Victoria Smith - Independent Assessor for Student Finance Appeals & Complaints - Designated representative of the Board.●     Sir Hamid Patel - Chief Executive of Star Academies - Independent Panel Member.●     Chris Williams - Head of HE Performance and Student Finance - member of the Advisory Assessment Panel.None of the panel members have declared any political activity or conflicts of interest.

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact SLC.SPONSORSHIP@education.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Advisory Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.

Disability confident

We are a member of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme (DCS). We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. This competition will operate in accordance with the Disability Confident Scheme.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of Ministers.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or ten years in any one post. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying, however you are responsible for your own tax and National Insurance contributions, in line with HMRC rules for self employed contractors. No PAYE deductions will be made by SLC or the DfE.

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact Faiz Malik in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application, by emailing SLC.SPONSORSHIP@education.gov.uk. 

They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

How to complain to Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA)

If you are not content with the appointing department’s response you may wish to further complain to the Commissioner at publicappointments@csc.gov.uk.Further information on how the Commissioner handles complaints can be found on the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ website https://publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/regulating-appointments/investigating-complaints/

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

Personal data collected as part of this exercise will be processed in accordance with the Department for Education Privacy Notice. You can access the privacy notice here

Attachments

• IA Candidate Pack

Contact details

Please contact Faiz Malik in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application, by emailing SLC.SPONSORSHIP@education.gov.uk