Risk and Internal Audit Graduate Watford 2023

Would you like to Elevate your career at BRE?

Elevate is BRE’s fast-track development programme in becoming a subject specialist and supporting us in being industry leaders in the built environment. Through joining our Elevate programme, you will be challenged, developed, coached and supported on your path to becoming a subject matter expert in your field.

You will spend your first nine months working in your home role of Risk and Internal Audit Graduate. You will also have the option of completing two skills development placements at three months each, where these are intended to upskill you in pre-identified areas, followed by your final nine months back in your home role, also working on an exciting project and presentation.

Why does the role exist?

The Risk & Internal Audit team are an essential part of BRE. The team conduct internal audits and manage the risk management framework to ensure that the business maintains its certifications and accreditations but also provides assurance to the wider business that the activity in question is working as it should.

This varied role will involve collaborating with and auditing different areas of the business, assisting with fieldwork for other auditors, taking part in opening and closing meetings, witnessing various test activities taking place and assisting with other on-site visits.

You will get the opportunity to assist the Internal Auditors as well as the Head of Risk & Internal Audit with various tasks, so there is an opportunity to be involved in the risk activities too.

The value you will add

The Risk & Internal Audit team are an integral part of the business. You will provide assurance that all activities are being conducted correctly, as well as providing recommendations to resolve issues.

Responsibilities are as follows:

• Conduct research on teams, business areas and activities that will form the basis of the fieldwork that will be carried out by the Internal Audit team.
• Assist with audit planning, including opening and closing meetings, site visits and witness assessments.
• Assist Internal Auditors with on-site visits to interview colleagues.
• Carry out witness assessments with Internal Auditors of tests across the Assurance Division. Collaborate with other teams across the business to resolve internal audit findings, crafting recommendations that the teams will carry out.
• Observe external assessment activity with UKAS (accreditation) and LRQA (management system certifications).
• Take part in any ongoing projects within the Internal Audit team.

How will success be measured?

• This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to continuous improvement within the business and ensuring that the activities being undertaken are providing better outcomes.
• You will support with identifying any risks, weaknesses or issues that are occurring. The identification of these risks will allow considered actions to be put in place that can reduce the risks, improve processes, add efficiencies, and potentially increase revenues.
• A minimum outcome from the role is that the auditing of activities will ensure that the business remains compliant to its UKAS accreditations and LRQA (ISO management systems) certifications.

What skills and experience does the role need?

• A degree in a relevant subject
• A genuine interest in the built environment
• Articulate, with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A natural curiosity with a desire to develop new skills and relationships
• The confidence to speak up with great ideas, embrace change and seek innovative ways of working
• A logical, inquisitive and problem-solving mindset
• Experience of accurately recording evidence/information
• Report writing skills

How we will help to Elevate your career

You will have the opportunity to take part in various development activities such as:

• Personal development plans
• Structured coaching in blocks of six sessions with identified deliverables for each block
• Structured mentoring from a senior leader at BRE
• A personal development fund of £1,000 for additional qualifications, conferences or industry events
• Scheduled group development workshops on consultancy skills, problem-solving and presentation skills
• Group transition workshops to support you with the transition out of the Elevate programme and into your team

What salary and benefits does the Elevate programme offer?

Your salary will start at £30,000 in year one, with an increase to £32,000 in year two, then upon a successful interview and completion of the Elevate programme, you will be promoted into a higher-level role in your home team, with a salary of at least £34,000.

Benefits for you and your family

• 25 days annual leave
• Volunteering day
• Flexible hybrid working options
• Learning and development opportunities including free access to our BRE Academy and Percipio courses
• Life assurance – 4x basic salary
• Onsite nursery
• Enhanced maternity package

Rewarding and recognising you

• Annual salary review
• Pension scheme with 5% matching employer contribution
• Pensions advice
• Recognition schemes including retail vouchers and cash awards
• Employee referral scheme (£1,000)
• Professional membership reimbursement

Supporting your health and wellbeing

• Lifeworks – employee assistance programme
• Healthpartners – cash back on a wide range of health and wellbeing costs including prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care and more
• Regular health and wellbeing events
• Onsite restaurant
• Free onsite parking including free EV charging points
• Local bus service to site
• Cycle to work scheme

What to expect from the application process

• Stage 1 – Complete your application form and upload your CV onto our careers site by 10th March
• Stage 2 – Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete online assessments by 24th March
• Stage 3 – Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a remote Teams screening conversation with a member of the Resourcing team by 7th April
• Stage 4 – Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Assessment Day at our Science Park in Watford on one of the following dates: 9th May, 11th May, 16th May or 18th May
• Stage 5 – Offers to be made and feedback to be provided to unsuccessful candidates by end of May
• Start date for successful hires – Monday 11th September 2023