School Compliance Officer

Wellington College International Pune (WCI Pune) is the eighth in the Wellington College International family and the first of several planned for India.

**Purpose**:
The Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that the school operates in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies set by the government, education boards, and other regulatory bodies. Thorough knowledge of all compliances and regulations related to educational institutions, building statutes, visa for expatriate workers and related norms. The Compliance Officer will ensure that the school adheres to all legal and accreditation requirements, including those set by educational boards (such as CBSE, IB, IGCSE). The role includes monitoring, implementing and advising on policies on compliance, conducting audits, ensuring adherence to safety and ethical standards, and managing necessary documentation and reporting.

**Main Task and Responsibilities**:
1. **Regulatory Compliance**:

- Ensure the school complies with Maharashtra State Education Department regulations, CBSE/ICSE/State Board guidelines, RTE Act, and other relevant educational policies.
- Keep updated with changes in laws and regulations affecting schools.
- Obtain and renew necessary licenses, affiliations, and accreditations.
- Maintain all permits, and regulatory approvals required for school operations.

2. **Policy Implementation & Monitoring**:

- Develop and implement internal policies that align with legal requirements and best practices.
- Ensure school policies align with labor laws, child protection regulations, and safety standards.
- Conduct regular training sessions for staff on compliance, ethics, and school policies.
- Maintain and update the school's policy manual, ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders.

3**. Audits & Inspections**:

- Conduct internal audits to identify potential non-compliance issues.
- Prepare the school for inspections by government authorities, education boards, and other regulatory bodies.
- Ensure proper documentation is maintained for audits and regulatory reviews.

4. **Safety & Child Protection Compliance**:

- Ensure compliance with child safety laws, including POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) guidelines.
- Implement and oversee health, safety, and emergency preparedness protocols in the school.
- Conduct background checks for staff and maintain records of police verification.

5. **Liaison & Reporting**:

- Act as a liaison between the school and regulatory bodies, ensuring smooth communication and compliance.
- Prepare and submit reports required by educational authorities, tax departments, and other agencies.
- Address legal and regulatory queries raised by stakeholders.

6. **Global & Domestic Mobility Support**:

- Manage the end-to-end mobility process for expatriate employees.
- Assist with work permits, visas, and necessary documentation for different countries.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements in destination countries.

7**. Immigration & Compliance Management**:

- Stay updated on visa regulations, and employment laws.
- Ensure all mobility programs align with company policies and legal requirements.
- Work closely with HR, legal, and external agencies to resolve immigration-related issues.
- Experience with visa related documentation and statutes for expatriate workers in India.

8. **Employee Support**:

- Act as a point of contact for mobility-related inquiries.

9. **Documentation & Reporting**:

- Maintain accurate records of compliance activities, audits, and policy reviews.
- Prepare reports for the school management, board members, and regulatory bodies.
- Address non-compliance issues and implement corrective actions
- Track and report on mobility trends, approvals, and compliance risks.
- Prepare reports on visa expiration dates and renewals.

10**. Liaison & Communication**:

- Strong liaison with local authorities and regulatory bodies.
- Serve as the point of contact for legal and regulatory authorities.
- Collaborate with HR, administration, and academic departments to ensure compliance across all areas.
- Maintain all records related to compliances and track these to ensure all documents are valid.
- Respond to compliance-related queries from parents, staff, and external stakeholders.

**Essential Experience / Qualifications Required**
- Bachelor's or Master's degree, Business Administration, Education Management, or a related field.
- Mandatory 3-5 years of experience in compliance, or regulatory roles, in the education sector.
- Knowledge of Regulations: Familiarity with Maharashtra education laws, CBSE/ICSE/State Board guidelines, RTE Act, and child protection laws.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and reporting skills.
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work with government authorities and legal bodies.
- High ethical standards