HESA Staff Return Officer

Role Description

Are you a meticulous data professional with a keen eye for detail? Do you thrive on ensuring accuracy and compliance in data management?

The University of York is seeking a dedicated HESA Staff Return Officer to join our HR Systems team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in the preparation and submission of the University’s critical HESA Staff Return. 

The opportunity:

Working 22.2 hours a week (0.6fte) within the HR Systems team, you will be responsible for collating and verifying a wide range of staff data, ensuring it complies with HESA specifications and our internal data quality standards. You'll become proficient in using our ResourceLink HR system and HESA’s validation kit to assemble and check the HESA return. 

Outside of the peak return period (August to October), you will contribute to planning for future changes to the HESA staff return process, driven by HESA’s major review, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029, and the University’s HR-Finance transformation project. 

Key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing staff records, ensuring correct coding according to the latest HESA data definitions. 

• Liaising with HR, Payroll, and other teams to clarify or gather staff information. 

• Organising and maintaining documentation related to data sources. 

• Performing rigorous validation checks on staff data using HESA validation kit rules and internal quality checks. 

• Maintaining clear and comprehensive documentation of all processes and decisions related to the HESA Staff Return. 

• Staying informed about changes to HESA data definitions and submission deadlines. 

• Contributing to planning for future changes in HESA staff data collection. 

What we're looking for:

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, with a methodical and organised approach. 

• Demonstrable ability to work with large datasets and maintain data integrity. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. 

• A Level 3 qualification (e.g., A levels) or equivalent professional experience. 

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to use various digital tools effectively. 

• A commitment to accuracy and confidentiality. 

• The ability to use SQL to query databases is highly desirable. 

No prior HESA experience? No problem! Full training in the HESA return process and the software used at York will be provided.

For informal enquiries, please contact Alex McFarlane at alex.mcfarlane@york.ac.uk or call 01904 324856.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork